In the quiet morning... or afternoon...

One of my favorite childhood memories is that of going to visit people. My parents and I visited relatives and friends and enjoyed sharing chats and laughter. There was always one thing from those visits that stayed in my memory . I noticed that a lot of the older people always had a home of "quiet". By "quiet", I mean that there were no t.v.'s blaring, or cell phones ringing, or computers chirping with the local weather update. In almost every home, the sounds were peaceful and fulfilling. The tick tock of the clock on the mantle, the birds chirping at the bird feeder outside the window, and occasionally a timer waiting to buzz to let us know the cookies or cake were done. I remember walking into homes and sitting on soft couches, filled with huge decorative pillows(some handmade) and often, a beautiful crocheted or knitted afghan(some handmade) lay across the back of the couch. These items welcomed everyone to sit down and have some quiet and rest. Interesting thing is.... the older I am, the more I appreciate the "quiet". Oh, yes, everyone who knows me knows that I love to laugh out loud and I do enjoy the "loud" times. In fact, I often cause the "loud" times. :-) Yet, the "quiet" of my surroundings is really affecting me lately. During the quiet of the morning or afternoon.... I listen to rain tapping on the roof, I hear the birds singing songs, I hear the laughter and voices of children and families playing outside or taking walks together, the sounds of the house settling in different weather, the  sound of a passing siren(which gives me an opportunity to pray for whoever needs help and also, for the rescue people) and so much more. Most important is that the "quiet" gives me the wonderful, amazing opportunity to listen for God's Word for me. He is always ready to listen to my prayers and in the "quiet", I am ready to listen to Him. I am amazed at all He reveals to me during these precious times. He gives His love during the "quiet" and the "loud" times. We need to be prepared to listen. Enjoy your day and notice what you hear and/or see during those "quiet" times. Is God sending you a special thought or message? What is one of your favorite "quiet" moments? Have a blessed day, Mimi