The Art of Listening

One day, the Swallow asked her young ones to play a game with her.  The young ones were told to share a minute of silence, and they had to listen to the world around.  After that, they would share with each other what they had heard.

They played the game twice.

1st game

• they found it hard to keep still and not fidget (even for a minute!)
• they were distracted by each other (what was the other one doing?)
• they distracted each other (retaliate, etc, etc)

2nd game

• they found it easier to keep still this time
• they learned to focus
• they heard more sounds when they were focused
• they wanted more time (more time, more sounds)

It is hard to keep still, isn't it?  The world is always on the move.  It is so easy to get caught in the flow.  To chase after the rainbow.  After the wind.  After things that are temporal, that do not last.  Like the rainbow, they fade away.  Like the wind, they come and they go.

Psalm 37 : 7a (NIV)
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.

Psalm 46 : 10 (NKJV)
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.

Isaiah 40 : 31 (NKJV)
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

Have we stopped to listen to Him today?