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Be Still


As I walked down the path along the outdoor stations of the cross, the golden sun streamed softly through the trees and the colors of autumn lay across the ground in all the leaves. The still beauty around me reminded me of Elijah who went out to the mountain to wait for God. Elijah did not find God in the "wind", "earthquake", or "fire", but in the "tiny whispering sound". Yes, in the most unassuming way, God came, hidden yet known to Elijah. It is in the silences, the unassuming moments of everyday life, that I have discovered Christ. It is in these moments I have found my greatest treasures!


As I entered my first year in the novitiate, I discovered far beyond my expectation the beauty of encountering God in silence. Living in a culture that lives on noisy technology, I did have some adjusting to do when I said goodbye to my cell phone, laptop, and listening to music at any given moment. However, I soon began to hear more than I ever heard before, "the tiny whispering" voice of God. Having the interior and exterior freedom to attune myself to Him, to strive to be always open to His Word, this is a gift I cannot price! When I look back at the most precious moments of my life it is when I am still and I know God is near. Each day at Mass when I am kneeling silently and simply waiting, God descends from Heaven hiding Himself in the small white host. Throughout this year God has spoken the words of Psalm 46 to my heart: "Be still and know that I am God."


-submitted by Sister M. Bernadette, First Year Novice

Comments

Anonymous said…
That really touched my heart. You reminded me of my visit to the convent and how I grew closer to God in silence. I wish sometimes that I could go back to your community and just sit in the chapel with no distractions.

Love,
Arkansas
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Anonymous said…
Dear Sister M. Bernadette!
What eloquence!
Thank you for sharing!
::silently listening::
Carol
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Christina said…
Thank You. I am currently discerning the religious life, and I know God is reminding me to spend more time in Silence with him through your words. God Bless!
Friday, November 06, 2009
Victor S E Moubarak said…
You know, this post is quite timely; especially since I've just found your Blog by accident - or was it God incident?

Let me explain.

About half an hour ago I went out in my garden for a few minutes of quiet silence. It is night right here. All is quiet and the sky is very dark and clear - not a cloud in sight. And no moon.

As I gazed up into the sky I noticed the stars far far away. A few at first, and then, as my eyes grew accustomed to the darkness of the sky I saw more and more stars. Tiny dots in the sky all that distance away.

And in that dark silence I felt at total peace for a few moments. I think God was there with me.

God bless you.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
. said…
So beautiful. Thank you so much Sister for sharing your wonderful experience with us. :D

Many hugs to you. :D
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Chris Dickson, F.L.A. said…
What a wonderful picture! I could spend hours sitting there in prayer...

Pax Et Bonum!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
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