Companionable Silence – those were the words that popped into my mind when I saw our slippers. Since it isn’t where either of us usually leaves them, seeing them there caused me to stop and look at them before putting them away.
It reminded me of something Dan and I discussed early in our marriage when we saw a couple in a restaurant each reading a section of the newspaper and paying no attention to each other. We said things like, “That will never be us.” “I can’t imagine not having anything to say to each other, or just ignoring each other like that.”
Webster’s 1828 defines these two words:
Companionable – Fit for good fellowship; qualified to be agreeable in company; sociable; agreeable as a companion.
Silence – Stillness; calmness; quiet
Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” KJV
Well, we’ve grown in these last 29 years – not apart, but together. Now we understand the value of companionable silence – the ability to be together without needing to be talking constantly and not being uncomfortable in that silence.
Quiet and calmness in agreeable company, I can handle that. Sometimes just being together is enough.
Here are a couple of giveaways you might be interested in:
Online Expo and Giveaway – only a couple of days left and some great prizes.
Summer Giveaway Once again – some great prized you won’t want to miss.
Here are a couple of posts that blessed me this week:
Confessions of a Narrow Minded Woman
One on marriage:
When it Comes Down to Working Out Your Differences by The Time-Warp Wife
One on parenting daughters:
Raising Wives at Raising Homemakers
Enjoy!
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
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Phyllis Sather
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8 Comments
Tara
Phyllis, thank you so much for linking up. I loved this post and the comments too. I have struggled with this, silence is hard for me to endure sometimes, but I am a happy work in progress. Have a blessed weekend. Tara.
Phyllis
I think silence is difficult for everyone. It’s interesting to be aware of who you are comfortable being quiet with and who you are not.
natashalh
I agree that companionable silence is a beautiful thing and totally different from ignoring each other. My man is very thoughtful and is frequently quiet just because it’s his natural state of being, but silence doesn’t come naturally to me…I’m trying, though. =)
Phyllis
I know what you mean about being quiet doesn’t come naturally. It does take some practice not to be uncomfortable. Blessings, and thanks for stopping.
Sarah
I could not agree more. This companionable silence is something we all struggle for I think.
I’d love if you would link up this post (and any other inspiring posts to my Inspire linkup which happens each Monday. Check out the link below if you’d like to join in with me.
Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity
Phyllis
Thanks for inviting me Sarah. I would be glad to linkup.
Lori Laws
Hi Phyllis. When I read your “Companionable Silence ” post, I immediately thought about something that’s in my Streams in the Desert Devotional that speaks about this silence and our relationship with God. I had to look it up, here it is..
It is not necessary to be always speaking to God or always hearing from God, to have communion with Him; there is an inarticulate fellowship more sweet than words. The little child can sit all day long beside its busy mother and, although few words are spoken on either side, and both are busy, the one at his absorbing play, the other at her engrossing work, yet both are in perfect fellowship. He knows that she is there, and she knows that he is all right. So the saint and the Saviour can go on for hours in the silent fellowship of love, and he be busy about the most common things, and yet conscious that every little thing he does is touched with the complexion of His presence, and the sense of His approval and blessing.
God bless!
Phyllis
That is so beautiful Lori – thanks for sharing it. Streams in the Desert is one of my favorite devotionals.