Bird Nerd

A self-proclaimed "Bird Nerd", I'm learning so much about these tiny creatures of the fifth day. I've always photographed them as a thing of beauty, but now my children and I have decorated our sycamore tree as a haven for all sorts of them and are learning their songs and features. What a pleasure and a talent to listen beyond the hustle and bustle, beyond the noise of vehicles passing, beyond the boom and hiss of nearby construction and notice the lovely melody of a common sparrow or the squaky call of a bluejay. A whole other important community is taking place in the treetops and I want my children to stop and recognize that if they tune their ears to these sometimes hidden sounds, it's just like being still and listening for God's voice. He calls to them in a still, small one and they have an opportunity to respond to that whisper.

Day Twenty-Seven (of 31 Days)

"Don't stop Mommy!" Oliver calls from the backseat, "roads are for races!" He's quite bothered that I'm slowing down to stop at a light. I explain that I have to obey the law for the safety of everyone on the road and he mumbles, "Oh, why do we have to have stoplights in this world?"

Sometimes I don't want to stop and draw close to God. I want to keep going and pull off this thing called life on my own. In the back of my mind, wisdom whispers gently that for the safety of all involved, I'd better get on my knees. Many stupid mistakes have led me to know that unless I'm approaching His throne for advice, wisdom, rest and empowerment, I'm headed down a path that seems good to me but at a moment's notice, it can turn ugly. Worse yet, over time, it can turn ugly.

Stoplights are for our own good and for allowing us to wait on opposite traffic to take it's turn. When I barrel through those amber lights, which are warnings that the red is inevitable, I don't always see the oncoming danger. Stopping to hear God's voice gives me a better view of my day, my life and essentially where I'm going and what's in the way. Drawing close this month has had it's amber-light-fly-bys and I want that to be more consistent. Have you been able to stop at the lights to listen and assess?

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Listen. Do You Hear Him?

In the shower, on the long drive, during the worship time on Sunday, in my "prayer chair", through a friend, in a dream, in Creation, reading His Word... He speaks to me. It's soft, it's subtle, it's tender, it's convicting, it's passionate, but it's always in line with His Word. My job is to listen. I must find stillness, silence, quiet my mind and concerns. He's waiting and I feel His breath, at times. I have even been close enough to touch and have actually turned away and chosen another activity. I have missed out. But... if I really listen, really desire to know Him and His ways, I take a step toward Him and... He meets me. Listen. Do you hear Him?

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10