Suppression: repress – quell – smother – stifle – quash – restrain. In our newer school buses there is a switch on the left-hand accessory panel that is called a ‘Noise Suppression’ or a ‘Body Kill’ switch. These switches are designed to ‘kill’ all the running accessories inside the bus, ie: radio, fans, heaters and defrosters, killing the noise so you can look and listen at railroad crossings for trains without turning off each individual accessory switch, one at a time. That’s what this really is.
But lately as I’ve looked down at the panel of switches and my eyes fall on this switch, I’ve thought how interesting it would be if there were a ‘noise suppression’ or ‘kill’ switch in life. I could simply flip a switch and voilà – quiet. Sometimes there’s too much noise on my job, you cannot imagine (unless you’re a school bus driver) how much noise 78 kids make in a 40 foot bus. Sometimes there’s too much noise in my mind, continual thinking about issues, some of which are major. Sometimes there’s too much noise in my heart, with not enough time to read the Word. Sometimes there’s too much noise in the season, continual bombardment by advertising and internal ‘shoulds.’ Sometimes there’s just too much ‘noise’ in my life and not enough quiet time to think and be refreshed. Everyone needs quiet mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. There are times I could really use that ‘noise suppression’ switch …click…. quiet, instant quiet.
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I know all about this switch. It would be a handy one to have in life. At this time of year,I wish it would also work on those super excited children. Just a moment of quiet would be wonderful.
Wouldn’t that be a wonderful device to have in life! Dear Madge, you are doing a wonderful thing, transporting precious cargo, and as a Mother, I can say you are doing a very important job. As a Mom who went on many class field trips, I can say, you are my hero. xx
Quiet time is good for the soul. It would be nice to have one of those buttons for everyday life!
Kind of like that Easy button. I could use one of those. :)
Is that a “Point and Shoot” device Madge? Please tell us all where to buy one. A big smile for that one – thanks.
I can only imagine with a bus filled with kids the noise, Noise, NOISE! I take time each day and try to go off to myself away from chores, chatter, and that sometimes unspoken expectation to be at the ready to respond to others’ expectations or needs. Tranquility is essential. I’m with Nancy – show me where to buy one of these along with the Easy button.
What a wonderful idea! :-)
Yes, this little button would be very useful, in all kinds of situations :^)
Amen…I totally agree. That is why after teaching class yesterday I headed out to my favorite ‘zen’ park on the way home….it really helps quiet the craziness within.
I need that switch! My office is behind glass, away from distractions, but 2 of my 3 bosses have offices right off mine. One is suffering from a cold, the other could not be quiet at all yesterday. First he was whistling…the same tune, over and over and over. Then he could not stop talking. He left early for a dentist appointment. As soon as the door closed, I looked at the other boss and said…Ahhhh, peace on the land. We both laughed. This is nothing compared to 40 kids that’s for sure and I totally agree…we need more quiet time in our lives! Great post!