March 7, 2006

Listen for the Whisperings

"There is hardly ever a complete silence in our soul. God is whispering to us well-nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out in the soul, or sink low, then we hear these whisperings of God. He is always whispering to us, only we do not always hear, because of the noise, hurry, and distraction which life causes as it rushes on."
---Frederick W. Faber, London, 1854.

Life in 1854 London must have been something like life in 2006 Orlando. "Noise, hurry, and distraction" are low-key descriptions of the chaotic blarings that scream for our attention every minute of every day.

TV shoves unreal reality into every corner of our homes.

The internet's siren call seduces our days and nights into an endless urgent conversation.

Family expectations transform short journeys into complex trips as we dash hither and thither to meet each person's desire-of-the-moment.

And the workplace holds meetings to decide whether or not to hold meetings.

But God is always whispering---clear words of encouragement, compassion, and love---whispers that muffle the world's blarings. Divine whispers that will perform a "full reset" on our lives, if we allow ourselves to listen.

There is a bakery near Kaley Street beside Interstate 4. Each day thousands of loaves come from its ovens, each one sending the fragrance of fresh bread up the bank to the Interstate. Most drivers never notice. But a few, windows down in expectation, and noses eager for a whiff of home, drive ready for the perfume of fresh bread. Some drivers have even been heard honking in appreciation, celebrating the simple goodness of freshly baked bread.

The fragrance is always there, just like God's whisperings, , if we allow ourselves to notice.

Breathe deeply. Listen closely. Live richly.

"Be still," the Psalmist sang, "in the presence of the Lord. Wait patiently for Him to act."
Psalm 37:1-7 NLT

Dick Duerksen
Assistant Vice President
Mission development
Florida Hospital