Yesterday, on a clear day, I realized I was blind. Today, on a quiet day, I realized I am partially deaf as well. So much for being open and active, eh! Sometimes it takes small events to open the door to greater understanding. I more convinced than ever that the event trigger varies from person to person. Each of us sees, feels, and experiences life in different ways. God uses the various avenues to try and communicate His view of us, the hopes He has for us, and a sense of what He would recommend as a next step. I am often deaf to these efforts.
The meeting was intense. The processing managers and I were struggling to come to terms with the challenges on the table. The conversations were tough, difficult, problematic, and yet open, honest, and fruitful. While the outcome is still undecided, the emotional factor in the discussion gives me hope. In the middle of this my mobile rang. Whitney was on the phone and needed to talk.
“Dad?”
“Yes, Whits.”
“Guess what?”
“I have no idea, what?”
“I can do wheelies on the scooter you gave me! When are you coming home?”
“I’m not sure. Do you want to show me, so we can try this together?”
“Yes, I sure do. Thanks. Bye.”
I realized I was missing part of the work conversation and most of God’s effort to communicate with me. People at work need to know and be affirmed for what they are doing well. Struggling together we can work to understand what is missing and pursue opportunities. The problem is basic. “How can they [people] hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it?” (Romans 10.15) The answer lies with you and I. We can tell them. We can listen, to them and to God. We can be solutions.
I know I’m deaf and blind, yet I don’t have to stay that way. God accepts us just as we are, He just won’t leave us that way!
