Events

I believe life, in all its forms, is constantly talking.  Most of the time, we, myself included, do not bother to listen.  Customers complain; most businesses ignore the conversation.  Cars squeak; many owners get comfortable with the new sound.  The skies rumble; I still walk out without an umbrella in the raining season. 
I like to suggest that listening, forming an opinion, and doing something about it (often called making a judgment and putting it into action) is a good thing.  The first part is critical.  If one is going to stand for something; one must first listen and observe.  Far too often, I am so hung up in things that I am doing that I find myself rushing through life without paying attention to the details of life.  In doing so, I miss the smell of roses and spring.  I overlook cries for help.  I ignore opportunities to make a difference. 
Even with listening, there is a critical second component.  I need to form a judgment.  This is not a bad thing.  When God looks at life, Divinity takes a stand on Evil.  We can do the same!  God description is rather blunt.  “Yes, I'm on my way to visit you with Judgment.  I'll present compelling evidence against sorcerers, adulterers, liars, those who exploit workers, those who take advantage of widows and orphans, those who are inhospitable to the homeless-anyone and everyone who doesn't honor me.”  (Malachi 3.5)  We would do well to understand the implications in our own lives.
Today will be filled with lots of noise.  I find myself listening intensely.  I want to make sure I hear what life has to tell me.  I know I will miss much of the conversation, yet the effort will pay interesting dividends.  There are so many opportunities to make a difference.  I find that by letting myself into the process that I have in turn invited God into my life in a different way.  I am listening for God only to discover that God is already waiting for my presence.  This discovery can be yours.