Learning to Listen

As we sat watching a playoff football game(well he was watching and I was reading on the couch beside him) his phone sounded signalling a text coming in. As he responded he explained that he had texted a co-worker earlier(even though it was a Saturday) to see how his day was going after having a very difficult day the day before, and he was now responding back. He had listened to that still small voice.

As I continued to read in Billy Graham's book, Nearing Home, I reread what I just read a few pages earlier. Graham in talking about the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer in making decisions, quotes the verse from Isaiah 30:21, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'this is the way' walk in it". And it struck me, sitting beside was a man that had learned to listen when the Spirit spoke to his heart.

Earlier that morning he had popped his head in the door to say that he was going down to our elderly neighbours to offer to shovel the snow off their driveway since it was very wet and heavy. He had listened to that small voice and gone and done it rather than just having good intentions. And I am sure that he made their day!

And then an hour later he was off, to meet with someone who had called earlier and asked if he had time to talk, even though he was really looking forward to just watching NFL Playoff Football games. Listening again I had to think!

I have to admit that I don't always listen well. But I can learn to listen.....it just takes practice! And of course being quiet long enough to hear that still small voice. Definitely something to think about!