I just finished reading The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A.J. Jacobs. I'm not sure what fascinated me more about the plot: the solidarity felt when hearing of another man's facial hair neglect (at the time I had a sizable beard of my own), or the peculiar and seemingly impossible quest he undertook. Either way I instantly knew it was a must read.During that year he made an attempt to visit a variety of different Christian traditions, one of which was the Amish. He shared of his visit with Amos Miller, a man who was quiet, yet incredibly wise.
Amos talks slowly and carefully, like he only has a few dozen sentences allotted for the weekend, and he doesn;t want to waste them at the start. I read later in the Amish book Rules of a Godly Life that you should "let your works be thoughtful, few and true." By adopting minimalism, Amos has mastered those sheech laws I'm stuggling with.My trip across the United States was one of much reflection and inspiration. Whereas I was expecting it to lead to an oasis of ideas regarding what I want to do with my life, I found God was rather teaching me what kind of man he wants me to be. The people I respect the most in life are those whose words are few yet thoughtprovoking. Often I find myself fidgety and nervous when their is a lull in conversation, and being the responisible guy I am, I feel I have to fill it. Most of the time I say something foolish or without substance. That is the price I pay for making my words cheap. I am coming to find that there is a beauty in silence. It is the thoughtful words of a person who is quiet admist a noisey conversation who stops everyone in their track. It is the one who silently embraces you who meets you at your point of need. It is the quiet words of a servant that preach the loudest sermon.
