Lessons from the Desert – Part 1

Last week I told you that I was going to spend what is left of this Lenten season in the desert with Jesus. I felt a pull to do that. I have learned quite a bit already and I want to share my lessons with you.

The very first thing that became glaringly apparent was the need for silence. A silence of my thoughts, a silence of my imaginings, a silence of my plans, and even a silence of my voice. I became quiet to the point of having people who know me well text me and ask if I was alright because I was so quiet during a zoom session.

Being silent doesn’t mean not speaking up when the situation warrants it or becoming a divine wallflower. The silence I’m learning is of a different sort. It’s a silencing of all that makes it virtually impossible to know the life intended for us.

I learned that to be silent requires discipline. It involves breaking old habits and possibly appearing different and out of character. None of this is easy, but the payoff is so worth it. Because real treasures lie in the silence.

If we can get out of our heads and set aside our egos by spending more time in silence, powerful things happen. If our default mode is silence, rather than mindless chatter or self-aggrandizing posturing, we become more aware of and open to the treasures that God provides for us in the people, places, and situations He orchestrates into our lives. With a habit of silence, we listen more fully to others, we cultivate a deeper gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and we experience transforming joy.

That was the second lesson I learned in the desert. The desert isn’t all dry bones and tumbleweed. Even in the desert times we are given moments of sheer joy. What a surprise that was.

For me the joy came in the form of a leprechaun.

I make an annual visit to my daughter-in-law’s K5 class on St. Patrick’s Day donned in my very finest leprechaun attire.

This year I visited in the morning when the younger classes were on the playground. On my way into the building, I was mobbed by a joyful crowd of little ones who wanted to chase me, hug me, and share with me all kinds of random information. Stories about the “stuffies” they have at home (I imagine that’s a modern term for stuffed animals.)  or their favorite truck.  You know, all that important stuff that little ones get so excited to share with anyone who will listen.

I have to say the hugs were the highlight of the day. They are the precious calling card of little ones. Reminders of how easy it is for children to express how they feel. Their expressions of delight brought such joy. Pure gift, even in the desert.

Silence and surprise, my first two lessons.
Joan