Quietness Is the Classroom
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
In your still, silent night, what did you do this year? Some of us had plans to spend it with family and friends. Others attended church services and yet there were many who were alone or trying to find shelter for the night.
After the family gathering ended and the church turned off the lights, what did you then do? For many years I found myself desperately lonely as I watched the clock tick into Christmas Day. Those were the days that I longed for someone special to share with. My church and Bible study attendance was notable. I never missed a week but I had missed the point!
Quietness was my classroom where intense lessons were taught. I dreamed of being loved, understood, provided for and protected with great desire. I watched others kiss under the mistletoe and leave the parties holding hands. Not me! I think Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve were two of the worst nights of the year. I had come to the conclusion that I was unlovable. Maybe I was back then, who knows!
One year, my mother had come to Florida for the holidays. She was pretty high maintenance. I had allowed her to pluck my last nerve and I needed quiet. The little Presbyterian church on the corner was one of the few around that offered services on Christmas Eve. After she went to bed, I walked down the street, entered the two red doors with simple wreaths, and my life changed forever.
I came face to face with the fact that I already had everything I needed. He had been with me all along, but I kept looking for Him in an earthly body. How joyful and foolish I felt – yes, I felt both emotions at the same time. I sat quietly and listened to every word spoken! I sang every song with a new voice of vitality. I wanted to scream it from the bell tower: “I am not alone!”
I was the last to leave the church that evening– except for some hospitality folks. Sitting quietly, I felt peace, joy and hope. I did not need another living soul. I finally knew love! Singing carols all the way home, I didn’t care who heard me.
That night I slept in heavenly peace.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reaching out to us in the quietness of this season. Help us to seek You above anyone else. AMEN.
Photograph Michael Johnston