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Monday, September 14, 2020

Learning to Live in the Awkward Silence

I have been reading about a practice that fleshes out for me, one directive given by Jesus’ brother James. James wrote: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19 NIV) James might have heard Jesus teach about being quick to listen and slow to speak. He was probably aware of the words of Solomon in his collection of Proverbs. Solomon wrote: “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:28 ESV) “The Rule of Awkward Silence” is the practice that I’ve been reading about. The Rule of Awkward Silence or being “quick to listen, slow to speak” requires time. Too often in the rush to feed “instant gratification” we waste time giving answers that are incomplete, shallow, not thought through, and not helpful. But we swim in the pool of instant gratification. Everyone is looking for Immediate responses. People expect an answer to their email the same day, and they expect texts answered immediately. The person who texted is likely looking for the “ellipsis” showing that a response is being typed. (What about when the “ellipsis” goes away? It’s as if the other person started responding and then changed their mind…what’s up with that?!) People don’t connect the dots of life well when they don’t think critically. Critical thinking involves pondering, studying, and analyzing. Critical, deep, reflective thinking requires time. Time to consider subjects, ideas, and concepts. “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (Proverbs 18:2 ESV) I’m trying to slow down and think. I’m trying to understand. I don’t want to be the “fool” who is only concerned with “expressing his opinion.” Silence can be awkward. I’m trying to learn to live in the awkwardness of silence so I can learn, understand, and think.

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