Recently I read a series of articles and essays by Sister Wendy Beckett, an Anglican contemplative nun, who some years ago hosted a PBS and BBC special TV series on art. Before she entered the convent, Sr. Wendy taught school in South Africa. Prior to the convent she lived a very active life and all of her experiences have shaped her insights.

I was struck by a brief paragraph she wrote about the importance of silence in everyone's life. She said that silence is something that everyone needs. She wrote:

Entering into silence is like stepping into cool clear water.

The dust and debris are quietly washed away, and we are

 purified of our triviality. This cleansing takes place whether

 we are conscious of it or not: the very choice of silence

 of desiring to be still, washes away the days grime.

 Isn't that a perfect image of what silence can do? I think that Sister Wendy is on to something. In another article she refers to a daily period of silence as a balm for all the troubles that can circle around us each day. She said that coming into silence and resting there for a while brings one to true peace.

I think it was St. Bernard who said that silence was like walking barefoot in ankle-deep cool water on a very hot day. It calms the mind, heart and soul. It restores us to peace. Do you need God's peace in your life right now? Why not take some time this week to step into the cool waters of silence?