I’ve had real-deal laryngitis for the past week.

My work week is half writing, half teaching. The second bit is tricky with no voice. I’ve postponed training calls with other writers. I’ve sent no voice notes (read: mid-length podcasts) to family and friends around the world and down the road. Yesterday I pre-empted any painful whispering by relaying to Murray and the boys all my answers to their FAQs (What’s for supper, How was your day, Has Joni had a walk, etc.) in one long text.

Having Conversations About All The Things, with people I know and people I don’t, is part of how I suck the marrow from life. And as I’ve instead had to suck my own bodyweight in Strepsils, I’ve realised that in the grand scheme, the world will keep spinning without my small vocal contributions, which is humbling, and a relief.

And as I’ve set cover work for classes and excused myself from obligations and cancelled get-togethers, it’s made me think: If I were to be suddenly cancelled, are my affairs in order? I’m a filing nerd so probably yes, in order and alphabetized. But still. Makes me want to be doubly sure I’m at peace with all people as far as it depends on me.

It’s also made me think of Jesus who spoke out the universe then folded Himself into the quiet of a woman’s womb. For nine months He didn’t say a word. He also didn’t emerge into this bright, noisy world speaking in full sentences. He slowed Himself right down. The Word-made-flesh learned words like the rest of us. If the Creator of communication gladly and intentionally surrendered to silence, maybe I should choose far more carefully when to fly word-drones into other people’s sacred airspace.

Jill Briscoe writes, ‘You think you have been laid aside by illness, but you haven’t. You’ve been called aside for stillness.’ So, if God has called you to the sidelines—removed you for a time from where it’s all happening—it’s actually pure grace. Maybe your soul needs a bit of stillness.

Wishing you wisdom to know when, where, and how to re-enter the fray, for God’s glory and the good of those around you.

. . .

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