Stillness

Aug 6, 2010 5:30 pm Manila

I’m now in NAIA 1 airport waiting to board bound for Doha with a final destination to Vienna. It’s going to be a long flight, with hours just sitting and reflecting. Probably catch on with some sleep. As I travel, I realize that in life, there are times that we are brought to a point of stillness. Sometimes, we are made still even if it’s not our choice. Like this flight, I can do nothing but wait and let time pass by. Yes, there are still many things to do in work and service, but as long as I’m travelling, all I can do is to wait to get to my destination.

Stillness is an essential element of our faith. In the gospel, the Lord said, “Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).” Amidst our busy lives, if we forget to pause, we might end up wasting much of time. Stillness allows us to reflect. When we reflect, we are able to make better decisions. We are able to ponder our life situations and ask God to guide us in our choices. We can examine our conscience, our principles and pray for better guidance.

Stillness allows us to rest and recharge. We rest so that we can be stronger when we are most needed. Many of us do not sleep much because of work preparations. But when the needed performance comes, we are not able to give our all because our bodies give in. It’s like someone who enters a singing contest. She practices, day and night, almost endlessly. On the day of the contest, she loses her voice. Let us then not forget to rest so we can perform our best.

Stillness reveals direction. Being still lets the dust settle. When a big truck passes in front of us on a dusty road, we are not able to see our way clearly. We slow down or stop, as to avoid accident and see the road vividly. Another analogy is that when we shake water with mud, the water will be murky. But if we wait for a while, the water will be crystal clear and the mud will be at the bottom. Being still teaches us patience and makes our vision clearer, leading us to the right direction.

I hear the boarding announcement, may God speak powerfully as I reflect, rest, and be revealed of the right direction.