Best thing he brings to the conversation is silence

Have you ever encountered someone who talks so much that you only get a few ums and errrrs into a conversation?

That the most substantiative thing they bring to the conversation is the occasional silence?

Yep. Me too.

In fact, I've been that person (I am so sorry, folks).

A torrent of words becomes a wall that is impossible to scale and even less interesting to try.

All those words. All that wasted air. (sigh)

It seems that this barrage of words seeps from a place of fear, sorrow, and distress – social, professional, internal, or otherwise. It's like trying to dig faster when a big wave shadows the sun instead of getting out of the pit to safety…misguided desperation. That if only the talker could continue to commandeer the conversation then folks would be left in shock and awe and want more face time.  Not so fast, JabberJaw.

I have friends who are so peaceful and gentle and aware.  They listen.  They yield the floor without abandoning the conversation. I love these people. Love them and want to spend more time with them.

These people are safe harbor in the wailing winds of a busy disconnected life.

They are the sort of friends who you can't wait to sit side-by-side before a campfire and watch the stars come out because you know the conversation will be restful. Joyful. Energizing.

And I wonder if God ever feels like he's been cornered by JabberJaw when I check in…yap yap yap…blather…blather…blather…me…me…me…  How could he not?

A friend spoke at chapel yesterday. He continued on a thought that he and another friend and I had considered a few nights before over steaks and good company. 

Bill said that God never calls us to missions or a job or some thing.  He calls us to relationship with himself and out of that intimacy, life and direction are born.

I hope to learn to listen; to be safe harbor…a person who sits around many campfires bringing something substantiative to the conversation: a little bit of thought, a measure of laughter, and a lot of listening…silence. 

James 1:19
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.