THE INNER WORKINGS...

learning to listen

My parents always listened to oldies when I was growing up. And I suppose that was a good choice - it was upbeat, clean music that didn't involve too much loud thumping. I must of been in about the fourth grade when I first heard what became one of my favorite songs of the genre. It was called "You talk too much", and with brilliant lyrics such as, "you talk too much, you even worry my pet", you can see why I was so drawn to the piece. It's been years since I've so much as hummed the song, but a couple of weeks it unexpectedly crept into my mind. Something had jarred my brain and finally shook the catchy tune loose from the pile of fourth-grade memories, and I believe it was more than just a casual dose of nostalgia. At the time I was praying for a whole slew of things that were on my mind, including some situations where I really needed wisdom. Once I finished, I opened my Bible for a couple of impatient minutes, but I didn't seem to encounter the answers that I was searching for. And that's when the rock n' roll drifted into my consciousness. No, it wasn't nostalgia. It was the Lord. He'd spoken through the cheesy lyrics of a 1960 song. He told me that I talk too much.

My problem isn't one of too many conversations nor of too many words. My problem is a lack of silence.

I may never understand his theories of mathematical probability (which is fine by me), but I can certainly identify with the French scientist and philosopher Blaise Pascal when he says, "I have discovered that all the unhappiness of men arises from one single fact, that they cannot stay quietly in their own chamber." Instead, he explains, we seek "the bustle which averts these thoughts of ours and amuses us." This comment was recorded in the 17th century, but the man might as well have been with me for the past few weeks. I've filled my life with "bustle" and diversion that the world so readily offers. It's like the volume control of my life is on "high", and I'm the one that's left it there. And it's especially evident in my friendship with God. Rather than quietly searching the depths of his Word, I just keep talking and talking and talking to Him, forgetting that the joy and peace are in quietly listening to what He has to say. So as I begin another year here in Argentina, my desire is to learn to make my heart still and silent before God. I want to learn to listen.

posted by Courtney @ 12:59 AM