Too Much Talk
courtesy of clipart-library
Between the phone, the TV, the mall and the radio, I’m overwhelmed sometimes with too much talk. I wish everyone would take a ‘word break,’ and bless the universe with silence. Am I saying this just because I’m getting old and I can’t handle all the noise from gizmos, gadgets, and garbage trucks? Maybe so. But whatever the reason, I’m in favor of taking some time in the no-talk zone.
I’m tired of corny jokes, stories I’ve heard a dozen times, email forwards that are no longer fresh or funny, long phone calls, and salespeople pitching their wares at my front door. And I’m fed up with my own bundle of words. Do I really have anything important to say? Or am I simply exercising my jaw in order to be part of the crowd?
Help me, today, dear God, to count my words, and to make the words I say count for something that points people to you. And if I can’t think of anything worth saying, then remind me to lock my lips until I do!
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent…” (Proverbs 17: 27-28)
Well said, my dear. It is exhausting sometimes to listen to all of the noise. I love this sentence you wrote, “Help me, today, dear God, to count my words, and to make the words I say count for something that points people to you.” I will use that prayer. Thank you. love, Heidi
Yes well said. Silence is golden. As time goes on I am beginning to appreciate that.
Well said, Heidi and Joan. I’ll be quiet now.☺️
Karen, you have described me to a T!! I’m more tired of senseless words, people talking over each other until you get no benefit from their conversation. I am using the mute button or the off button a lot more often when it gets too much in order to keep my sanity. I write essays for a local paper, but I’ve been procrastinating about starting another book. I listen to more music, play the piano more often, and still find I just need total quiet at times; it helps us hear God’s voice more often and more clearly. So, let’s just tune out and turn off and watch our blood pressure go down. Cheers and God Bless.
Amen, sister! 😊
One of the most impactful spiritual times I’ve ever had as a new Christian was held at a Catholic Convent in San Diego where the nuns had taken a vow of silence during the day. They allowed their grounds to be used for retreats but once our group was given the “ground rules” we were free to wander the lush gardens and sit in sanctuary with our bibles and prayer journals for the rest of the day. If you are at all like me, (who talks way too much at times- or even if you’re not) and you have a chance to set aside an entire day to be silent before the Lord- I highly recommend it. Our Heavenly Father has many things to say to us individually— if we will only be quiet enough to listen!
I hear you. I’ve had such a weekend and it made a huge impact on me.
Amen to your message Karen.
Thanks, Pam. 🙂
Excellent, Karen!!! It is so good to hear there is someone else besides me who longs for silence. I love those moments, bask in them. Now if only I can also silence my tinnitus!!😊
Thank you, Joan. Good to hear from you.
I love this Proverbs quote from you today dear Karen. Makes perfect sense to me now and always has done! I sure do cherish the quiet times in my days. Good reminder to be quiet and listen ……..
Enjoying the sound of the rain from the Heavens right now!! What a treat for us in parched California.❤️
Yes to the sound of rain. Sweet rain.
I sure do agree with you! Sometimes I feel like standing up when I am in a crowd and yel REAL LOUD: “QUIET” ! People really cannot ‘hear you’ when everyone is talking. I am laughing right now because all at once I thouhgt of something that happened when my twin granddaughters were just about 2 years old and were sitting at the kitchen table coloring in their books. Holly had the color that Sarah wanted and they were really yelling and grabbing, etc. I was in the kitchen and I just yelled REAL loud and said: “hold it”! They stopped and looked at me and my daughter who was in the kitchen also just looked at me??? When the girls looked at me I started whispering so low they sort of turned their heads sidewides to hear what I was saying! I told them in a nice way to take turns and then said “okay?” and they nodded their heads and said “okay’-in a whisper! I know this is sort of “off your point” but I just thought of it and it was so funny I think perhaps your readers will enjoy this! I thought of the scripture:” A soft answer turneth away wrath” ( please don’t ask me the book nor verse)This probably does not fit either! Big smile! I am guilty of talking too much, but I have learned to be a good listener–so keep on sending the great thoughts in your blog’s! blessings, Margaret
Thank you, Margaret. More inspiring wisdom from your life.
Well said, my friend. Great verse.
Sue, it is great to hear from you.
At the N.H. a friend came in and just ‘fell’ down in the seat, as she was overloaded and spinning like a top, with things for other people that were sick and even, in the hospital. I listened while she unloaded…. when she got up, I said,” you have quit spinning so fast now…like you were!” she looked at me and smiled, as if, not realizing a load had been shared. it’s better to be silent and listen then talking a mile a minute, sometimes.
Thanks, Mary. I totally agree with you. 🙂
Unless I’m at your house, then let’s talk away! 😉
Ha! Ha! Dear daughter. I agree. ❤️👍
Zipping it today!
Smiles, BRC
My lips are sealed too. 🙂