Life can be annoying. As I think about the little things in life, the odd squeak, the noisy grating, the reminders I do not want to hear, it seems that every annoyance has something in common. Each is a reminder of truth. The alarm clock reminds me of the time I committed to do something. The squeak tells me that two parts are rubbing that should not be together. Even the grating sound is telling me that something is not as it should be. Little things in life can be annoying, but each contains a message of truth.
I wonder if I realize how quickly I tune out what I do not want to hear, feel, or see. Usually I wrap them up in a cloak of annoyance. Sometimes I say that the source is the problem – it is too young, not mature, or perhaps even not wise. I evaluate the source, not the message. Ironically, the first person to lose in this situation is me.
I wonder how others react to people and events in their life. When a girl “started following Paul around, calling everyone’s attention to us by yelling out, ‘These men are working for the Most High God. They’re laying out the road of salvation for you!’ She did this for a number of days until Paul, finally fed up with her, turned and commanded the spirit that possessed her, ‘Out! In the name of Jesus Christ, get out of her!’” (Acts 16.17) Had she been initially dismissed because of her age? Was it her passions or abilities? Did observers then miss an opportunity to hear truth even as they were hearing truth?
Your life and mine is full of voices. I know I have filters. I know I do not always want to hear the truth. Yet, I also know I need truth – desperately! I need to see myself for what and who I am. I need to know that hope exists. I need to believe in the power of change.
Wisdom speaks in our lives. Today will be a conversation.
