So here's the story.
Last night in Cov. Group (Covenant Group) my hall was challenged to stay in silence for the rest of the night. It was supposed to be a time to just listen, pray, and hang out with God.
Early this morning we broke the silence with worship. I felt myself being called to keep the silence, so I decided that I was going to continue not talking and carry on with my day listening to God. I had no idea when it would hit me and I certainly had no idea what I was listening for... I just knew that I have been constantly asking and seeking God, but I was not listening nor watching.
Here's stories from my journey.
1) It was hard to keep my mind quiet. Although I was not actually speaking, my mind was constantly rambling!
2) Once I finally gained focus, the little sounds that I didn't hear before were strongly prevalent.
3) Walking around campus was intense. The sound of the wind, footsteps, voices, and all other noises blended intriguingly; however, I was able to pick apart all of the individual sounds.
4) The conversations around made me indifferent. There was so much complaint and so much dirtiness. I was really shocked by it.
5) Chapel. - Worship was intense. Hearing the voices, good or bad, it didn't matter. Collectively it was beautiful. It's funny how Chapels theme correlated with the idea of listening.
In the midst of all the noise and commotion I continued asking God to speak to me, I tried to find Him in the little things that were going on. At the very end of Time Out I had it. I got an indescribable feeling, but everything just clicked. My day replayed in my head and the sounds around me was not what I remembered... but it was what I saw.
I saw hands reaching for God in worship, I saw friends laughing and hugging, I saw couples holding hands, I saw trees swaying in the wind, I saw the ocean in calmness, I saw people in deep prayer, and I saw people I loved.
In every trace of life whether good or bad, there's a vision of Gods work. It was directly said to me in my 8:30 class and again later on in the day... but I didn't realize it then. I've been in a dry and torn place with my life and when I am praying or in a time of worship I see and feel God, but in times when I am just going through my daily routines I don't recognize that he's there.
So as I stood at the end of Time Out, I broke down and leaned on Chelsie's shoulder and peace swept through me. My God spoke and I heard. All of the sites I saw were marked with His grace and love. He told me that He is indeed everywhere and forever He will be.
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I've made a commitment. For the next few months I will be in silence from Tuesday at 10 p.m. (the end of my hall Cov. Group) to Wednesday at 9 p.m. (The beginning of Time Out). The only time that I will speak is in the act of praise. No phone, facebook, t.v., or music (worship excluded). So pray for me. For stength and focus. God speaks, we just need to listen. Dear God, I am absolutely in love with you and all of your works are beautifully intimate.
<3 Sharon
