Listen

Mike and I decided to go hiking this morning before the temperatures became too overwhelming! Before we left, I asked God to show me something new - something He had not shown me before. I went in expectation of what God would do today.

It was a beautiful morning with sunshine, a slight breeze, and blue sky. We parked and decided on the trail to take. As we entered the trail and the wonderful shade of the trees, I heard God say “listen”. He wanted me to stay away from taking so many pictures of what I SAW but rather to just LISTEN as we walked. This is rather challenging for me because I love taking pictures when hiking. However this is what we heard as soon as we were on the trail:

- Variety of birds singing their morning greeting songs

- A yellow jacket buzzing around the base of a tree near its nest

- A sound from under several logs which was very rhythmic; maybe something gnawing on the tree but the sound never stopped as we neared, trying to discover what it was

- Further along the mile long trail, we heard even more birds with different songs and different intensities to their songs; they have great lungs!!

- Squirrels jumping around in the woods

- A distant sound of children arriving at the splash park and beginning their fun

Before we knew it, we were walking out of the woods into a clearing just wide enough for hikers to walk through back to the main road.

God, thank you for this lesson in being still; being intentionally quiet. He showed me that I have been busier this week than He wanted because it reduced the time spent with Him. The busyness was fruitful as we begin our journey into Chase City for Mike’s (and my) ministry at Centenary United Methodist Church. We met retailers and visited a church member in the hospital. Fruitful, right? Yes, but I had reduced my quiet time with Him to make more time for these tasks. Maybe that is why Mike and I were so drained yesterday afternoon upon returning home from the hospital. I know I need to spend more time with Him to be able to produce what He wants us/me to produce for His glory. But balance of time is needed,

I understand what God showed me. We went into the woods - away from distractions - and God said “don’t take pictures of all that you see. I want you to listen. Be still.” He wants me to ensure the quiet time with Him. Not just every day but all through the day. It may not be “quiet time” all day long but a time to stay in His presence throughout the day. Then we came out of the woods into the clearing and back into His world.

God, I thank you for instructing me to listen this day. How often I depend on sight and touch to know You. Thank you for your loving discipline and encouragement!! May You continue to encourage and love us all!!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Rachel