Rachel Whisman

Every other week, there’s a farm that I visit. It is far from the nearest highway by a good distance. When I arrive and open my car door, my ears have to adapt to the lack of noise. As I step out of my car, silence greets me. It is an adjustment after a long day of work and only hearing random noises and children calling out to me, “Ms.Whisman, can I…?” or “Ms.Whisman! Ms.Whisman! Ms.Whisman! This person…” All I hear now is the distinct low rustling of the wind, the low hum of a cow in the distance, and the sharp crunch of gravel underneath my feet. The stress of the day seems to melt off in the void of noise as I gaze at the sun setting. There really is nothing exquisite about this place. It is very ordinary and still. Nothing much is going on. 

This week reflected this. As I thought about what to write this week, nothing came to me. As the farm greeted me with silence, so too did my thoughts. I tried to think about things to write about, I prayed, and went on walks to try to get the creative juices flowing, but I was met with nothing. Some might call this writer’s block. At first, it was disturbing and frustrating. Questioning why nothing was coming and trying to force ideas that just weren’t there. Then, like a gentle whisper, the Lord reminded me that it was okay to have nothing once in a while. It was an adjustment, but also calming and humbling. 

We have weeks, or maybe seasons like this farm. They are quiet, serene, tranquil, undisturbed, and mundane. Seemingly, nothing is happening besides the day-to-day routines set before you. Shocks of excitement are absent, and it might seem dull. However, wherever you are, God is there with you, and it is meaningful. It might be hidden and out of sight like this farm, but there is a purpose. He sees you even if you feel invisible, and you can look to him and find joy in him. Even in the silence, God is working. We are called to be faithful and trust Him. Sometimes, less is more, and receiving nothing is just what we need.

True faith trusts God where it cannot trace Him; it trusts in God’s promises, though it has nothing in view.

-Thomas Watson