Silence is Golden

A few weeks ago I was in the mall with my family catching a quick dinner (thankfully that doesn't happen too often) and I sat there and just watched. It was a Friday night and it was busy. Families, teenagers, people alone. They walked and shopped. There was music in the background, the noise of everyone talking, lighted signs, ads everywhere and people on cell phones. It was rather overwhelming. I was amazed. I remember noticing that if someone wasn't talking to a person beside them, then they were talking on a cell phone. It was as if it were taboo to just walk in peace and quiet. Don't let the brain alone...it might start to wander or think on its own. It might start to think about something important or even start to ask questions.

And then I started to feel a little nervous; if we are constantly bombarded by all of this "noise" and we don't get the chance to just sit and think, what is going to happen? Most of my best thoughts have come when I'm walking (without anyone or any electronic device) and just let my mind go. I have some wonderful philosophical and religious conversations.....with myself. It's when I've felt most at peace with myself and this earth and God. So what about these younger ones? A lot of them must have something going on at all times. Loud music, phones, computers, games...not much chance for them to get to know themselves. And if they don't get to know themselves, then how can we expect them to know and understand others. Sure they get a lot of info from teachers and parents, but if they're too busy with all of this background noise, how are they to digest it and figure it out...to put it to good use.

I know that every generation looks back on the new generation and feels trepidation that they won't do well, but I fear that this generation has more obstacles to overcome than we did. There's an entire world trying to get them to only think about themselves and what they "need" and "want". I applaud those who are rising above these temptations and seeing what a shallow life that would be. But I am concerned for those who can't see these temptations for what they are.....a way to avoid getting to really know yourself and those around you.

Just a thought....