I have two older sisters and a younger brother and we were all born within about 5 years. Growing up, my parents would let us stay out until a particular time, depending on the night and what was going on and it was very important if we wanted to stay out late (late as in midnight) the next weekend or in the future, we had to be home on time. My parents were fortunate and I was a great kid, rarely was I late for the curfew they set. If I was going to be a few minutes late, I would sometimes try to sneak in without making a noise so my mom would think I was home on time but she would always hear me. I always wondered how she could hear me because I was incredibly quiet. The attentiveness my mother had listening for me to come home at curfew is the attentiveness we need for God.
Job, a great guy you can read about in the Bible, endured so much pain and suffering. God reminded him many times to listen, to be silent, God will speak (Job 33:31-33). We are reminded in Psalm 46:10 to be still and know that God is God.
“Each of us needs an opportunity to be alone, and silent, to find space in the day or in the week, just to reflect and to listen to the voice of God that speaks deep within us. Our search for God is only our response to God’s search for us. God knocks at our door, but for many people their lives are too preoccupied for them to be able to hear.” ~Cardinal Basil Hume of England (found in Joyce Rupp’s book Open the Door, page 47).
I reflect back on my journey thus far in life, and I see how many times I did not notice God calling me, or notice God in my life because I was too busy with my own agenda and schedule. Until I took time to listen for the knock, I did not hear or notice God. I am blessed to have listened for the knock, and answered God’s call. I celebrate God’s presence in my life each day because I often take time to notice God’s presence all around me. I encourage you to take a moment, each day or each week and listen for the knock; whether you do this in silence, reading scripture, in worship or in prayer…please, please take time to be in the presence of God and notice the presence of God in your life each day.
PONDER THIS
When do you feel closest to God?
What distracts you from God?
Where did you see God in your life today? (ask yourself this each day for a week)
How have you or how do you hope to find time to listen for God and to notice God’s presence in your life?
PRAYER
God, Thank you for your love and your grace. I am often focused on my schedule and my own desires, please give me the patience to listen and the desire to see your presence in my life each day. In your Holy Name I pray, Amen.
