Quiet on the set (of life)

As regular readers of Generous Matters may recall, in lieu of New Year’s resolutions, I chose to go with three words to guide my steps in 2012. After a bit of pondering, I settled on “be,” “still,” and “know.”  If my word-trio has a familiar ring, think Psalm 46, verse 10.

From January 1 on, it’s seemed as though the whole world is focused on my chosen triad. I’ve come across “my” three words in blog posts, magazine articles, sermons, workshop presentations, conversations with friends, etc. etc. etc. “Be,” “still,” and “know” are hot.

Case in point, an article touting the virtues of quietness (stillness) from a recent FC Expert Blog. It’s the author’s experience that “the most productive people in an organization aren’t the ones who make the most noise. In fact, it’s often the quiet ones  (the still ones) who out-produce everyone else.”

And why is that? Check out the following benefits of quietness, the author’s words in bold, and mine in italics.

Being quiet strengthens focus. Caught up in the busyness of the day, our attention is scattered. A few moments of quietness can be just enough to get us back on point.

Being quiet calms others. Hysteria is contagious. But so is calm. As the FC article reminds, “it’s usually the quiet people who are able to calm people down and carry them over the finish line.”

Being quiet conveys confidence. There’s no need to shout about your accomplishments or to tweet your triumphs. Trust your good work to speak for itself.

Being quiet means you think before you speak. Contrary to popular opinion, every question isn’t waiting for your answer. It’s okay to leave a little “white space” in a conversation. A thoughtful word or three is worth a hundred not quite ready for prime-time comments.

Being quiet gives you the space to dig deep. Ruminate. Meditate. Consider. Mull things over. Whatever it takes to search your heart and know your mind before weighing in on a topic.

Remember that at the end of the day (or year), it’s not about the noise one makes, but what one actually gets done.  Most important, it’s about why we do what we do, and for whose glory we do it.

God calls to us in our busyness: “Relax, stop fretting, and remember that I am still your God. I still hold the reins of the world.” (Psalm 46:10 from Psalms Now) In other words, be quiet.