Some of my thoughts recently have been on several words that keep popping up. One has been the word "listen." I cannot remember where I read or heard this but look at that word again. We hear it often as Christians - to listen to what God, the church, the Bible Study is saying. And for me, I think I try to listen more effectively, especially at meetings with PW. But often I find myself going 50 miles an hour in thoughts, then realize I did not hear what that person was saying. Why not? What they have to say is important! Okay, look at that word again. What else doe you see in the word "listen"? Respell it. SILENT. On - maybe that is my problem! I am not being silent when I am listening to what the other person is saying, what the Bible is saying, what Christ or God is saying. I need to be silent

"Silence is golden." Maybe that is what the original author of that famous saying meant. Be silent and listen. Rather interesting set of words this time of year when the noise of the season is almost deafening - "Ring Christmas Bells!" "Don't forget that loved one on your Christmas list." or the chatter of children with their plans and lists, and every ad filled with some some variation of Christmas music. What about sitting back, being silent, and listening to the voice of God.

My husband is Catholic. I encouraged him to attend a Retreat at the "White House," a Jesuit Community Retreat Center in St. Louis. The entire time the group was there was spent in silence. Yes, there were speakers, the priest leading mass, participants saying the rosary. The Retreat was in silence except one and a half hours per day at fellowship when, if you desired, you could talk with someone else or merely walk about the grounds or visit the library. Even at meals, no words were spoken. The participants pointed to the food dish on the table they wished to have. There were no phones, TV, or radio. Rooms were private and bedtime was 9 p.m. You were aroused with ringing of a bell in the hallway. Just as I was enthused about my encounter with the Churchwide Gathering, my husband cannot wait until next year to attend this Retreat. To be silent and listen.

Listen. Silent. Silent. Listen.

Peace, Judy