On stillness, on silence

Written 5/13/20; modified this morning.

Why are we so petrified of silence?
Do we think about our bills, our ex, our deadlines, or when we think we’re gonna die?
Or do we long for the next distraction?*
In stillness, in silence, we think too much.
About past, present, future
            About what we have done and what we have left undone
                        About what has to get done
                                    About the things that feel impossible to do
Oh God, helps us stop thinking so we can be,
            so we can listen
 
I love resting in you,
            but I need your help
Still my body, still my mind
Silence my thoughts, fears, judgments
Even when the world around me won’t be quiet
            Lawn mowers roaring, trains and planes rumbling
            Phones ringing, husbands coughing
You offer a time and place to be still
Silence where truth is heard
Where there is nothing to fear
 
*Thanks, Alanis, for these enduring words of wisdom.