Last week was the Solheim Cup, the premier professional ladies golfing competition pitting the best from the United States against the best of Europe. Because it was played in the Netherlands this year, I was unable to watch. Not only because most of the event occurred during the dark hours of the late night/early morning, but also because there wasn’t any TV coverage in the US (at least none that I was willing to pay for).
My only option was to use the live radio feed from the Netherlands’ Solheim Cup website, which—to put it mildly—was less than reliable.
At first it failed to upload. Then there was more than a little confusion. Since these commentators weren’t granted access to inside the ropes (no idea why) they often couldn’t see where the ball landed. Then there would be squeals as one microphone after another started to die. Add to all that their constant talking over each other (since they couldn’t see each other) and it was a pretty hectic experience. But I was willing to put up with it.
Day two, I got up early again to listen again and this time it wouldn’t even upload. I was left with no way to follow the progress but to wait until the scores were updated on the LPGA app.
And guess what. It as delightful.
That silence after the previous day's verbal turmoil was welcomed. Peaceful. And it was freeing as well. Since there was absolutely nothing I could do that would affect the outcome, I turned my attention to things I could affect.
Don’t get me wrong. I love to watch competition and even the tenseness of close matches. But when it is accompanied by pandemonium—no.
Which reminds me of how often we allow ourselves to listen to so many of the voices around us, bemoaning this or condemning that, clamoring for our attention, desiring our approval and consent. Even those wishing to bestow us with helpful information. So many people wanting a piece of our time and our ear.
And yet silence is so peaceful, so powerful, and so Biblical. And while the Bible does encourage us to seek wise counsel, it also warns us of listening to the wrong voices. And more importantly, to begin by seeking God’s counsel.
Jesus often escaped to places of solitude to meet with God and so should we.
Isaiah 30:15 provided the answer for Israel when they lost their way. It provides the answer for us as well.
“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
When life gets overwhelming and overcomplicated, shut out all other voices and return to God and listen to that “gentle whisper.” It's the only one that really matters.
My only option was to use the live radio feed from the Netherlands’ Solheim Cup website, which—to put it mildly—was less than reliable.
At first it failed to upload. Then there was more than a little confusion. Since these commentators weren’t granted access to inside the ropes (no idea why) they often couldn’t see where the ball landed. Then there would be squeals as one microphone after another started to die. Add to all that their constant talking over each other (since they couldn’t see each other) and it was a pretty hectic experience. But I was willing to put up with it.
Day two, I got up early again to listen again and this time it wouldn’t even upload. I was left with no way to follow the progress but to wait until the scores were updated on the LPGA app.
And guess what. It as delightful.
That silence after the previous day's verbal turmoil was welcomed. Peaceful. And it was freeing as well. Since there was absolutely nothing I could do that would affect the outcome, I turned my attention to things I could affect.
Don’t get me wrong. I love to watch competition and even the tenseness of close matches. But when it is accompanied by pandemonium—no.
Which reminds me of how often we allow ourselves to listen to so many of the voices around us, bemoaning this or condemning that, clamoring for our attention, desiring our approval and consent. Even those wishing to bestow us with helpful information. So many people wanting a piece of our time and our ear.
And yet silence is so peaceful, so powerful, and so Biblical. And while the Bible does encourage us to seek wise counsel, it also warns us of listening to the wrong voices. And more importantly, to begin by seeking God’s counsel.
Jesus often escaped to places of solitude to meet with God and so should we.
Isaiah 30:15 provided the answer for Israel when they lost their way. It provides the answer for us as well.
“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
When life gets overwhelming and overcomplicated, shut out all other voices and return to God and listen to that “gentle whisper.” It's the only one that really matters.
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