Silence

I arrived at church early today.  Jeff was at a retreat so I was by myself.  The greeter and ushers hadn't arrived yet, and when I sat down in the sanctuary I heard someone leave.  I started to read my bible which is what I usually do before the service starts, but then it struck me that I was completely alone in the sanctuary.  I sat up straighter.  I looked around and took in all the details of my beloved church that I so often take for granted.  The cross which is tethered to the ceiling seemed to hover.  In that moment, it appeared weightless.  I felt God all around me in that total silence.  It feels different to commune with God in a space where you usually share that communion with your fellow worshippers.  It probably only lasted about a minute or two; then other people started to arrive.  The spell wasn't broken; it was just begun.  I carried that feeling through the service with me.  That physical silence helped me find the stillness where God always waits for us.  I found Him there today.