Serenity in the Woods: Searching for Quiet

My husband, Gary, and I walked quietly down the sunny trail, almost afraid to speak and break the spell of the woods. Tall pine trees surrounded us, along with scattered meadows with pine saplings and wildflowers competing with the grass. All was silent save for a bird singing in the distance and the soft tread of our footsteps on the trail. We were alone in the woods, and peace flowed through us with the breeze.

Quiet is a powerful thing. How often do we find it in today’s world, filled with so many voices vying for our attention? Music—or muzak—everywhere, the chatter of social media, television blaring, and people filling the room with noise, as if afraid to risk a moment of silence. Parents of young children only find quiet when the little ones finally drift off to sleep. For us older folk, it may be easier. Some even find the silence that surrounds them oppressive as it accentuates their loneliness.

But the quiet that brings peace is a sacred thing. It can draw us to God and fill us with a joy that spills out to others when we reconnect. Even Jesus needed quiet time away from the crowds and His sometimes-demanding disciples. He used that time to commune with the Father. We can do the same. Although we can certainly pray anywhere, I find that the silence of the woods or the rhythmic roar of the ocean cause praise and prayer to automatically rise up in me. In nature we can see God’s love and glory uncluttered by the works of humans. For me, at least, that brings me closer to that wonderful Creator.

Where can you go to find quiet? If you can’t go deep into the woods, perhaps there’s a park nearby where you can walk—or sit quietly on a bench. Perhaps a garden or arboretum. Or even your own backyard. If you can’t get out, you might play quiet music—or white noise—on your phone, sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes, and remember beautiful places you have been. Enjoy the peace, and let praise naturally arise.