I’ve become someone who resents noise. I rarely listen to the radio or, even, my iPod anymore. I wonder if I’m in trouble. Am I like the psalmist who sat by the rivers of Babylon and wept, because he or she could not remember the songs of Zion?

Or am I simply in some “phase” where I need space? Or have I acquired a taste for silence? (Possibly the four daughters have something to do with this?)

I spent last Monday on silent retreat as part of a seminary class. The first time I went on silent retreat I felt awkward and self-conscious. This was my third such retreat, and it was straight-up bliss. I was no longer distracted by the “weirdness” of eating meals in silence or passing others without greeting them. I guess I’m saying: I felt at home in the silence.

Have you ever returned to a vacation spot yearly? At some point, if you like the spot, it becomes like home. In fact you might feel homesick for the spot and find yourself longing for the return. This is what silent retreat has become for me.

While on retreat, I prayed for our worship arts community in the Covenant. I think of you often, because I know how hard you work and the burdens you bear. I wonder if you are taking time for scripture, for enriching conversation with trusted friends in the spirit, for hiking or sailing or gaming, for time away in silence and solitude.

But please don't stop listening to your iPods. Someone must stay up on the songs of Zion, or we’ll be in trouble. I’m just glad you’re on-it, so I can stay in my quiet phase a little longer.

God’s Best,
Katie Martinez

Monday at Noon is a Worship Connection Blog series that appears on Mondays (more or less around noon). Katie Martinez manages worship arts projects for the ECC and helps plan worship at Crossroads Covenant Church in Loveland, Colorado.

Contact us at worship.connection@covchurch.org.

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