It’s often this time of the year when we are encouraged to take more time for silence. More time to savor the things that matter. More time with the Lord.
But... each of these is easier said than done.
For example, savoring the things that matter. What does that mean? Is that an extra glass of wine or more time spent playing a game with my children? Is it an extra long walk on a Saturday to enjoy nature and the sound of birds?
Yes, yes and yes.
As my friend Fr. Dennis once told me, “You do what you can.” What he meant was that if we do something in response to a call to action, things will probably be ok. If we do nothing and just wait things out, we will never take action.
In other words, no savoring...
“The Holy Rosary is the storehouse of countless blessings.”
How about that whole silence thing? I dig the idea that we ought to take more time for silence during Advent. I actually love silence and as an introvert, nothing warms my heart more than a quiet house and a good book, read in silence.
Still, I find it difficult. I can only imagine how my poor extroverted friends find silence. It must be terrifying!
So here’s the cool thing about this post- I’ve finally found a way to activate my brain for silence. The setting is often my home office where I like to have my morning quiet time. On the ledge by the window is a spot for my coffee and a pair of rosary beads.
After I go through the Angelus, the day’s Mass readings and some spiritual reading, I will do some journal writing in the DayOne app.
Then, and usually only for a few moments, I will take some time to be silent with God. Even as an introvert who loves silence, I find this difficult. A small window is all I have on most days.
My hand will reach over for my rosary beads and instead of praying the rosary, I’ve found the simple act of holding the beads activates something in my brain. Holding the rosary beads tells me to be still and to be silent.
You might try this out if you find silence difficult. A pair of rosary beads in your car (or even a rosary ring in your pocket) could be used to maintain silence during a drive. Or, a pair of rosary beads next to your bed might be used to find silence right before you fall asleep at night.
None of this should take away the act of praying the rosary with the beads. Rather, see this silence-keeping as another use of the beads, complimenting your praying of the rosary.
Silence is difficult and yet as St. Teresa of Calcutta tells us, “God is the friend of silence”. Sometimes we just need a little help to get us there.