Posted by Today, we’re more connected with the world than we have been at any other point in history. We can chat with people on the other side of the world with ease and collect vast amounts of information at a moment’s notice — this is incredible! I am constantly being bombarded by images, videos, and text all vying for my limited attention. My squirrel brain is being pulled in a million different directions simultaneously, in the hopes of not missing a single thing.
While I love this fast pace of life, there’s something precious about silence and slowness. 
I used to love blasting the radio or having a mini-Broadway musical in my car in the middle of traffic but now I enjoy the silence of taking a drive. There’s something freeing about turning off the radio, eliminating the sounds around me, and just taking a moment to be. It’s nice to leave my phone at home and go for a walk around the block or just spend a day with a friend with no agenda other than enjoying each other’s company, technology-free (except for the obligatory Instagram post of our meal before we dive in — it’s part of my millennial duty).
When was the last time you took a minute to slow down?
Or when was the last time you just enjoyed a moment of silence?
I think it’s no coincidence that the Bible places such a high value on silence and stillness. How often did God command his people to “be still and know that I am God”? Or how many times did Jesus withdraw somewhere to pray by himself? These are themes throughout the Old and New Testaments and the need for silence and slowness is hardwired into each individual person.
Our ability to connect with the world and with each other digitally is an incredible gift, but it shouldn’t take priority of connecting with God and ourselves. I encourage you to carve out a few moments to meet with God silently today. Then, take the time to check in with yourself. This process can be a quick as a few minutes or can be as long as a few hours — it’s completely up to you. I wonder how our interactions with others, digitally and in person, would change if we took the time for silence and slowness every day?
Let’s give it a try this week and see what happens.
To go Deeper: Read Slow Your Roll, Be Still
Do you need a devotional to use during your moments of slowness?
Check out A Proverb A Day!
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Work in Progress 
On spot! I am actually on a journey right now that started on Valentine’s Day and will continue through Palm Sunday. I agree with what you said. It’s interesting to think that we claim to be the most connected, yet when we are with loved ones we are the most disconnected due to being connected. HA! It should give us all pause to reflect. Have a great day!
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It’s so true! I think it’s time, like you said, to reflect on what connection really means. What an opportunity to live differently and intentionally. Thanks for reading!
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Oh my goodness! I thought I was the only one on the planet that did this. I get the strangest looks from people as I explain to them how much I enjoy my silent commute to work, but you are right. Silence helps the mind relax, process, and really reboot itself. It opens the heart to what God has to say
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It’s truly incredible what a little silence can do!!
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This is beautifully written! Such good truth.
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Thank you!
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Reblogged this on Work in Progress and commented:
As I’ve written about recently, I’m in a brand new season and, honestly, it’s a little overwhelming. I’ve be going and going and going and it feels as though I’ve had next to no time for myself as of late. Which means this is the most important time for me to be silent and slow.
It may seem a little counterintuitive, but the moments I have where I do control my schedule, I have to choose to slow down, rest, and take a breath. I have to turn off the music, shut out the distractions, and tune into what God is saying. I have to check in with me and see how I’m doing. I have to be slow and still with others even though it’s easier for me to speed through every interaction.
When I wrote this post earlier this year, I was still freelancing and in complete control of my schedule. I could spend as much time as I wanted with God each day and the message of silence and slowness was easy for me to live out. Now, those beliefs and habits are being tested as I try to walk with intentionality and live healthily.
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