The best rides are the ones when Ernie is calm, collected and quiet. There’s a oneness between us. We both have a sense of peace and trust. We’re able to hear the wind in the trees, the crunch of dried leaves beneath his feet and the creaking of the saddle leather as it moves with Ernie’s muscles.

I’ve learned over the years to cherish quiet. Most days, if you were to come to my house, you would notice silence. A friend who visited recently commented, “You don’t have any music on. We always have music on at home.” A former co-worker observed similarly the silence that I prefer when I’m working. When I awake, I don’t turn on the radio or the television. To do so actually frazzles and irritates me. I need silence, especially in the morning. I cherish it all day long. 

I didn’t used to be this way. I used to run with music, drive to music, cook to music, clean to music, get ready for work to music. You get the picture. I used to come home from work and plop myself down in front of the television for hours.

But that all gradually changed.

Solitude by Amy Loves Yah

I learned to cultivate contentment in silence. I learned that in silence I sense God’s presence and to hear his voice. I settle my mind and think more clearly when it’s quiet. I’m not distracted by noise, music lyrics or a tune. I can more easily pray. Like a quiet ride with Ernie, God and I are closer in the quiet – there’s a oneness.

The peace of God guards my heart and mind.

Question: How do you feel about silence and why?

Isaiah 30:15 (NIV): In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…

Job 3:25-26 (NLT): What I always feared has happened to me.
      What I dreaded has come true.
 I have no peace, no quietness.
      I have no rest; only trouble comes.

Psalm 29:11 (NLT):  The Lord gives his people strength.
      The Lord blesses them with peace.