Emphasizing silence, reflection in our daily lives

During the holiday season, we often get caught up in a world that blurs right past us. With families coming together for Thanksgiving, needing to buy presents for Christmas, and writing our lists for the New Year, we often fail to take time for ourselves. 

But over the years, I learned to make time for myself in silence. I love reflecting in the silence, and I thought I’d share a few of the moments of silence at Mount Carmel that I’ve appreciated most. 

Of course, my number one moment was on the actual Mount Carmel in Israel after I slayed the false prophets of Baal. The actual slaying was really awesome, but it was even better to hear the voice of God. So many natural disasters surrounded me, I honestly thought I was going to die. But then there was a quiet breeze, and I heard Him talking to me. That really sparked my understanding of reflection and prayer. 

Secondly is in the lunch line at school. Whenever I get a little hungry, I pop down to the Cafeteria to buy a snack, and I’m consistently impressed with the order and calmness of everyone there. Oftentimes, students will even let me walk ahead of them and let me get my food first. Their attitude towards my entrance often makes me thankful for the way our young men are brought up. The politeness that can be seen in the lunchline is simply a reflection of the way they act everywhere else. 

Another place I see silence in action is during passing periods. Students are always very focused on their path to get to the next class, and keep the pace of foot traffic moving very well up and down the staircases. I personally have never seen a herd of freshmen get stuck on the stairs, holding up the flow of traffic, trying to figure out how steps work. They are always focused and quiet, making sure to prepare their minds for the class ahead of them and reflecting on the knowledge they gained in the previous one. 

One of my favorite places to go to be at peace is the student section at Barda-Dowling Stadium after halftime during football games. Not only have I been able to enjoy some riveting highschool football, I’ve also been able to thank God for blessing the school with a quarterback like Jack Elliott. The stands are so deadly silent whenever he rushes into the endzone that I can truly experience the moment by myself. It’s always so unfortunate when there is a big crowd screaming and yelling, congratulating the team on their success. Stands aren’t meant to be places for fans to be loud and proud, or even excited. It’s a place of contemplation and gratitude.

Mount Carmel is a truly special place. Everyone at the school cares about everyone else, and we all uphold each other to a high standard. It’s been my privilege to see how our community has grown into one of prayer, service, and community–and how we treat every day with the proper respect it deserves.