Silence is a Note

I am a recent-ish convert to listening to the National Concert radio programme on the way to work. As a lover of alternative music in general, it's not too much of a stretch to embrace the epic and varied items of classical music. It's like listening to movie soundtracks. I love the many changes of mood experienced within one piece. The downside of the lulls and dramatic pauses in the music is that if you tune in to the radio station at one of these points you may think the reception is lost!
More than once I have racked the volume up trying to hear what's going on only to be blasted by the continuing score. Sometimes the strings drop low, or there is a sudden gap of silence before a change of pace. The effect is you listen more intently and tune in, anticipating the next notes or movement. It is a valid part of the arrangement. The conductor is still giving signals to the orchestra in these moments. There is power in the silence. 
And that brings me to my point. Yes! I'm not just rambling about music. The lesson I have embraced in recent years is that silence is a legitimate thing. I think the symbol for gaps in the music is called a 'rest'. Moments in life that to the onlooker might seem like inaction can be valuable - downtime, rest, centre-ing.  Little gaps in our story that help us to tune in - experiencing peace while building anticipation for the next chapter. Don't despise the gaps, nor turn the volume up to drown out the silence (or the next note could deafen you!) and don't presume you've missed the station - remember the Conductor is still giving signals. Maybe a job, relationship or prized pastime has come to an end. Whatever the 'lull' is in your life, rest, and listen intently. Don't be in a hurry to fill the gap with random stuff for the sake of feeling useful or loved. It may well ruin the design of this moment in time for you.
Selah.