That title almost seems impossible in today’s world, doesn’t it? It does to me, at any rate. The constant chatter of the outside world seems like you’re always within earshot of a giant swarm of bees (and if you’re not careful, you can get stung, but that’s another story for another day).

Yesterday, I had a day off and a very loooong list of things that absolutely had to get done. I decided that the only way it would happen was to have total quiet and concentration. I would not catch up on any shows while I worked. I would not listen to my audio book, or take copious social media breaks. I would not even turn on any music.

Quiet.

It’s what I was after.

And you know what? I got it all done.

I ticked through a list that has been hovering over me for the last month. I fell into bed feeling productive and light, because the weight of the undone was lifted.

Quiet allows focus unlike just about anything else. When you step away from the incessant buzz of the swarm, and the errant bee that leaves it, hellbent to pester you and you alone, you can settle yourself to the task at hand. You’re not stopping to bat at things that don’t matter. You can listen fully to the things that do.

What’s distracting you today? What voices need to be shut out?

I highly recommend silencing them for a while to see what happens. There might be something much more important that you need to hear.

Someone.

Maybe even The One.

Wouldn’t you like to fall into bed tonight a little bit lighter?

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.  ~ Psalm 62:5 ESV

As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”

The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” ~ Luke 10:38-42 MSG