Silence

I'm sure that some of you may agree that silence is often a wonderful thing. Our world is so full of sounds that when you begin to listen and hear nothing it can be glorious.

Today, I think the silence is deafening. But it's a different kind of silence. I look at my phone and I hear crickets (no, it's not my ringtone, which happens to be crickets), but the crickets I hear are in my head (yes, I may be crazy). I sent a text message to a friend today about a scripture verse I had just read. I was looking for the meaning of a particular word within the context. I received a response that confirmed what I had originally thought, although I must admit I've been feeling particularly skeptical today, so I responded with the suggestion that perhaps Paul's words (which are actually God's words, as it is in God's Word) would hurt people struggling with pride, not help them.

I immediately sent a new text saying not to worry about me, but I can see how many people might not be altruistic (altruism should be a topic for another day) in the way they put these words into action. And then there was silence. The silence is driving me crazy! Even now, my eyes keep darting over towards my phone. Marci, get a grip and let it go. But I can't because I just want to explain myself a little bit more. Perhaps one more text would put me in a better light. Why am I so worried about what people think of me? Perhaps if I got it into my thick skull that the world does not revolve around me, I wouldn't struggle with pride so much. :)

The particular scripture I was meditating on today was 1 Cor. 9: 24-27, which says:
Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessley; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

P.S For more motivational pictures like the one posted above, check them out at www.despair.com