You are There

You are in the crowded room,

You find me there

I cannot flee from you,

I cannot hide from you.

You are there.

You are in the darkness,

You are in the light.

When I cannot see you,

When I cannot sleep at night,

You are there.

I feel your presence,

I feel your tender touch.

Forgive me for the rush,

Forgive me for not finding time,

You are there.

For I love you beyond all measure,

For you are everything I need,

In the dead of night,

In the cool summer breeze,

You are there.

As I travel down this road,

As I place my hand in yours

Help me to trust your leading,

Help me to realize.

You are always there.

Revd Jo Regan
 

Why do I avoid silence?

  

A rather haunting image of 'Silence'

by John Henry Fuseli (1741-1825) 

Dear God,

Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my surroundings
and the loud inner noises of my fears
keep pulling me away from you.
Give me ears to listen to your small, soft, voice saying:

'Come to me, you who are overburdended 
and I will give you rest...
for I am gentle and humble of heart.'

Let that loving voice by my guide.

Amen.

Why do I avoid silence?


From With Open Hands Henri J.M. Nouwen.