19 October – Judy Stephens, Alton and Petersfield Quakers

The Small Voice of Calm

A Petersfield couple set out with back-packs and bags of experience to walk the pilgrim way to the shrine of St. Jacques de Compostela. They did half the route one year and completed the trek the following year. Eagerly setting off for the second half they found their back-packs were much lighter. They could manage with less.

Growing up in the Second World War years, everything was in short supply and we never threw anything away – it might come in useful. We learned how to make do and mend: shoes went to the cobbler’s, furniture was handed down, socks were mended, recycling was the way we lived without knowing the word. Even every little bit of string was carefully saved for the next job around the house.

We managed.

Having saved all our lives, it comes very hard when having to downsize and off-load. Every item has its story and memories are precious. Not used to throwing out, we try to find homes for special items, and are thankful for all the Charity shops. But we can make space. We don’t need as much stuff, Less is not just best, it is easier.

Instead of carrying a load of responsibility we can learn to be de-clutterers, to share and to give.away, to simplify our lives leaving time to focus on something else, on other people, on time to reflect. We can take time to listen, really listen to what is being said or perhaps not said, not wanting to interject something about ourselves.

Space for silence is rare in today’s world of continuous noise to which we have become accustomed but it is in the depth of silence ‘the still small voice of calm’ can reach us.