Noise

*This is a repost of a blog by Amy Sturgeon (www.theamyjoy.com) about First Friday last night.

Today was loud. People demanded (as they are apt to do) my time, my attention, my patience, my knowledge, my skills and my love. The world was noisy today. Construction equipment moved the earth around me, stores opened, radioes blasted, people yelled, they swore, they cried, and my own mind kept up a running narrative. Emotions were high. People rubbed aching temples, shifted on tired feet, cracked sore necks. And then I arrived here. Sat down in the low lit room. People bowed heads to focus on You. Some sat plainly, some knelt on work-weary knees. Some sang aloud, some whispered requests, some read Your ancient promises. The loudness went away. Peace grew as we waited in your presence. Your beauty caused the demands and insults to fade away. You changed the world in a matter of moments. You changed my world with a simple word.