I like to talk - and I like to be involved in conversation with other people. I find it hard to be quiet for any length of time. My wife and I used to attend a Taize service when we lived in Houston, in which there was 10 minutes of quiet after the reading of the Gospel. The first time seemed to last an eternity (and was uncomfortable but as we went to more of these, the quiet not only became tolerable but was welcome. In fact, the quiet went by too quickly and I craved for more.
So what does this have to do with Concordia's new campus? Having open spaces and being away from I-35 and the urban environment makes for quiet space. Walking from the parking lot to my office in the morning will provide me with quiet time. Taking a walk between buildings will provide me with quiet time. Wandering around the campus in the middle of the afternoon will provide we with quiet time. Of course, I could fill that quiet time with my Ipod or my cell phone, but maybe I will just be quiet. God's word tells us to "be still and know that I am God." Jesus went out to the mountians and the seas to be quiet and pray. Quietness can provide me (and others) with the following:
-time to relax
-time to pray
-time to be still
-time to think
-time to plan ahead
-time to listen
-time
As one who is mostly busy (and likes to talk) I have not learned yet to embrace the quiet. Perhaps this new location will give me the place - and the time - to use the QUIET to know more about myself - and to learn more about God.
