Silence Beckons

In order to see birds,

it is necessary to become part of the silence.

- Robert Lynd

As I read this quote about silence, I am reminded of sitting on a bench near the edge of Mississippi backwaters with a dear friend one day last fall.  She was needing a friend to listen as her heart was grieving the loss of a friend who had died.  This friend has an ability to "see" in the silence.  As we sat there, she could spot turtles and fish under the surface of the water.  It took me awhile to adapt to the looking and to silence myself and focus my attention into the water.  Eventually, I remember spotting the turtle there that she had been following all along. 

I so enjoy being with people who have these eyes to see, but more importantly, who have the heart to dwell in the silence.

Another friend who I've longed to know from the depths, once described himself as a turtle and reminded me that he wears many shells to protect himself.  To see his vulnerability, I need to listen from the silence of my heart and patiently wait, quietly, gently...  He pokes his head out once in awhile and I know that I need to deepen the silence in my welcoming of his fragile, precious nature in order for him to truly be seen willingly.

Last night I was listening to another friend who recently faced the loss of his first wife suddenly.  His grieving is making itself known through many places in his body, soul and spirit.  His capacity to welcome whatever arrives has always amazed me.  He, too, knows how to be silent and to listen in order to see each and every visitor.

I am grateful for the silence of presence and the silence of listening.  I am grateful for the seeing and the knowing of every encounter encouraged by the gift of silence.  I realize that the visitors we are able to see and to know in the silence are always around and the meeting will happen when we are ready. 

Who have you been able to see and know, to truly meet when you have truly become a part of the silence itself?