We had a sabbath of silence at the Monastery of St Gertrude’s Aug. 24-25. I experienced a great deal of silence during my time here and I cherished it.

Silence helps me hear the deer in the woods before she bounds off, flashing her white tail.

During morning prayer, silence helps me ponder the psalmist’s words and make them my own.

During our noon meal, silence helped me savor every bit of deliciousness in our peach cobbler.

On a blustery afternoon, silence helps me pretend that the wind in the trees is a river.

Moments of silence during the Lord’s Supper help me experience wonder.

In the silence I remember to listen.