Shut Up To Be Appreciated

SILENCE:

As I write this, I'm listening to a story about Vin Scully.  For longer than most of us have been alive, he has been the broadcaster for the Dodgers.  He began in Brooklyn and then followed the Franchise to Los Angeles.  Think of all the incredible baseball moments that Scully announced.  Yet in the interview what stood out was not what he had said, but those times he had chosen to say nothing.   The Sound of Silence Like Scully, I have spent my life running my mouth.  Like the sports-caster, as I look back, I am impressed with the power of silence--not the silence of cowardice, or ineptitude--dead-air--but the quiet that exudes from having wisdom enough to know that what I have to say at this moment is probably not the most important sound in the room. I'm still working on that. It's STTA. Click here, to find out more about preparing for a meeting when "every mouth will be stopped.".   — Scully on the art of silence: “I love it. It’s probably selfish on my part. When I was about 8 years old, the reason I went in this direction … we have a big old four legged radio. I would get a pillow and a glass of milk and some saltine crackers and I would crawl under the radio to listen to a football game. I knew nothing about [the teams]. But the roar of the crowd absolutely intoxicated me. That’s what drew me to get into sports. Now I try to shut up so I can enjoy the roar of the crowd.” (Dan Patrick Show) "I need to be quiet and let folk hear something far more important than cheering crowd."  (hm)

Something To Think About Power & Temptation, 5/28

While reading Millard Erickson's Theology.  I was reminded that just as God's power holds all creation together, Hispower likewise is the resource that enables the Christian--as in "me"--to endure temptation.     “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NASB95) I sit in my chair confident that the atoms will not suddenly quit holding hands depositing me unceremoniously on the floor, which except for God's providential conservation, also, wouldn't be there to catch me.  I need to muster the same confidence when I face temptation that God will, indeed, already has, made a way for me to resist. It's STTA.

Some Nonexplosive Thoughts on the Fourth of July:

I'll likely watch the fireworks this weekend. I can "Ooh" and "Ahh" with the best.
I remember several years ago landing a Dulles Airport on the evening of the Fourth. As the plane descended it was interesting to see various communities' displays blossoming below. They look a lot bigger from down here.

Though the cumulative force of patriotism is a powerful force, it can become an evil power, or it can devolve into weakness, unless it is imbued with a far greater might--that of a people whose collective will is to do what is right.

In short, as important as our armed forces are, our ultimate strength will not be seen on the battle fields, or political campaigns, this weekend, but in our pulpits and pews.

Let's band together to pray for our nation. I'll be talking about that this Sunday at CBC.

Here are three websites, two mine and one from a cyber-friend I respect, that take this thought further.

http://hoggback.blogspot.com/


http://hoggback.blogspot.com/


http://thinkpoint.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/before-we-celebrate-freedom/


On the Birthday of our Nation it's STTA.