During this time of exclusive lockdown, I and the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage have grown accustomed to silence.
Silence is wonderful and soothing, enabling me to sit back and enjoy a good read. There is nothing like reading a book, and from my point of view, I have not read a book unless I have read it ten times. Just as I was getting adjusted to "The Sounds of Silence," our routine changed drastically. I really did not see this coming. Last Tuesday as my wife went to the front door, she turned, looked at me and said, "Honey," (I think she calls me "Honey" because she can't remember my name), "I'm going to go shopping this morning and use some of those wonderful gift cards I got." It was a long morning, and finally, I heard my wife backing into the driveway and parked her van. She came to the door and asked if I could help her put some things into the garage. As we took the package out of her van, I asked, "What did you get?" "I got a power saw for my workshop. Lowe's was having a sale, and I couldn't refuse." "What do you need a power saw for?" "I just have a few projects in my workshop, and this will come in handy.” I was happy that she was happy, and that always makes for a good time. I just settled in and was reading the next chapter in my book and enjoying the silence around me when suddenly I heard what sounded like an explosion. Burrrrrrrrrrr. It seemed to get louder and louder. The very room where I was setting shook with the racket. I jumped out of my chair and ran to the garage as fast as I could. The closer I got to the garage, the louder the sound was. When I got into the garage where my wife was, the saw was running as loud as I have ever heard anything, and she was cutting boards. When I saw her, I noticed the biggest smile I've seen on her face in a long time. "Is there anything wrong," I shouted over the noise. She heard me, turned off the power saw, looked at me with that smile still on her face and said, "Nothing. I'm only testing my power saw to make sure it works." Then she turned back to the power saw, turned it on, and the noise resumed. I could see she was happy and enjoying herself, as I have not seen her lately. I guess all the silence in our home has come to an end, this will be our "new normal. I walked back to my chair, sat down, and listened to the sound coming from the garage. I walked back to my chair, sat down, and listened to the sound coming from the garage. I remembered what I once read in the book of Proverbs. "Happy is the man that fi ndeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding" (Proverbs 3:13). Wisdom and understanding can have a practical application. When I have the wisdom to know what makes my wife happy, I will understand what true happiness is. [Dr. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, Ocala, FL 34472. He lives with his wife in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 352- 216-3025 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is www.whatafellowship.com.] |
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