An article published online on September 1, 2012 (The Associated Press) reported that authorities in New Hampshire arrested a women four times in just twenty-six hours. According to the article her offences were twofold: blasting the AC/DC song "Highway to Hell" and other loud music from her home and throwing a frying pan.
The article goes on to say that the second charge occurred when a relative tried to remove some of his belongings from her home while the first four charges resulted from complaints that failed to convince the woman to turn down the volume. It was a remark from the judge, however, that got my attention: "Coffey was jailed Friday and couldn't be reached for comment. WMUR-TV reports a judge has recommended she use headphones."
Now if you've ever been annoyed by loud music from the neighbours, the screams of undisciplined children in a restaurant or sounds of your least favourite TV program blasting through the walls of an adjacent apartment then I'm sure you understand the frustration of those who reported this gal to the local constabulary.
What I find even more distressing, however, is the constant bombardment of noisy information filling my daily life: computers, phones, horns and sirens the list seems endless.
As noise of every sort turns into stress, our emotions and even our physical being can be negatively affected. I have no formal credentials on the subject, just enough permanent damage in my own body to prove the point. The exhortation to "come apart and rest awhile" is more than a nice philosophy reserved for a favoured few.
"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15, Amplified Version)
Grab those headphones!
