Mother Nature's Chalk Board

As I found myself on vocal rest this evening... I found that the sand makes a GREAT chalk board. And the moon makes a great reading light. I had an entire conversation by listening and then writing minimal words in the sand, taking my leg to erase and re-smooth the surface and writing more.

God always provides.

And then it made me think of how I get frustrated when I have to go on vocal rest. Yet in many religious practices, including Christianity, sacrificing "speech among men" is thought to be an aid to the service of good - by not speaking to men, you can better speak to God. And also, because it requires self-restraint, it is thought to be a form of penance.

Perspective can be a beautiful thing.

Having that one thought of frustration, led to a thought process which brought me to the conclusion that I should welcome these times with more open arms than I normally do. Instead of viewing it as "Dangit. I can't talk. Woe is me." I need to recognize the importance of listening and the beauty in silence. In every day life it isn't necessarily the most practical form of communication. I end up waving and smiling a lot at clerks and gas station attendants :) But it sure can be a great lesson in patience and listening.

Peace. Love. Fiddle.
~natalie