By KAITLIN KLEIN
WONDERFUL ADVENTURE
“The man with a gigantic power of enjoyment goes through life very quietly, for he can enjoy quiet things” (G. K. Chesterton).
I really like this quote. I like to sit with it, ponder it and think about what it means. It isn’t easily understood, and I don’t think it means one specific thing. For some reason, it excites me. Maybe because Chesterton uses the words gigantic and quiet so strikingly in this sentence; maybe because, when I think of enjoying something, I default to envisioning jumping-up-and-down excitement instead of something quiet. I’d love to talk to Chesterton about his thoughts—on this and many subjects—but for now, I’ll find my own value in his words.
Every moment has potential. Each January, at the start of a new year, I feel that even more. The new year is filled with moments not yet lived; and I’d like to enjoy as many as possible, even the simple, quiet ones. Being quiet, silent and listening have always been important parts of prayer and nurturing a relationship with the Lord.
Life can be complex and complicated, and how distracting and full of stuff it often is. Our society is loud and flashy, but I’d say one of the main reasons why our moments and days, and therefore our lives, are incredibly stuffed full is because of “The Amazing, Almost-All-Knowing Smartphone.”
It can fill every moment that isn’t otherwise occupied. It's the news, a radio, camera; the list goes on and on. I find myself using it to look up every tiny thing I’m curious about, and to be “productive” by responding to texts and emails.
As much as I like today's technology in general, sometimes I think it’d be simpler to live like Abraham Lincoln grew up – in a one-room cabin, with entertainment of simple games and reading books. This year, a resolution of mine is to look at my phone and respond to texts and emails only at certain times of the day; to limit the distraction a phone brings.
Screen addiction can be a real issue, and damaging even like substance abuse can be. If we’re always looking for more and more lights and thrills, squeezing in as much scrolling as we can, seeking more entertainment, the latest stuff, and not letting our eyes, minds, and hearts simply rest and be, I believe it will be difficult to enjoy quiet things, simple things.
We may completely miss the small joys God sends. Focused, simple, quiet things can be beautiful and gigantic blessings: My son giggling at an inflatable reindeer; walks in the sunshine; meaningful conversations; family dinners; living room dances; good books; creativity; and silent prayer.
If the Lord speaks to us in the silence of our hearts, we may be able to hear him better if we stop some of the noise in our days and “go through life very quietly.” Chesterton doesn’t mean to live passively or with melancholy, but just the opposite—to engage in each moment, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, and to bring it all to God. To be thankful and go back to the foundation that all comes from Him. Here’s to more quiet living in the presence of God this year.