Listen Up!

I walked into the last office, making my final delivery for Doctor’s Day. I walked into the small waiting room, and waited patiently for the receptionist to get off the phone.

“11:30. April 14th. 11:30. Tuesday. Tuesday. 11:30. 11:30. 11:30. Tuesday. April 14th. Yes, that’s right. No. 11:30. You’re appointment’s at 11:30. 11:30…”

I swear this went on for a full five minutes. I stifled a laugh. Obviously the gentleman on the other end was hard of hearing, and perhaps a little cognitively deficient. Even the smallest bit of information just wasn’t translating for him that day.

When the receptionist finally ended the call, she sighed and gave me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry,” she said.

“That’s okay,” I answered, flashing a sympathetic look and quickly handing over the carnation intended for the doctor.

In my line of work, you have to use some creative communication techniques at times. It is really hard to convey your meaning to someone who can’t hear the words you say.

I wonder how often God looks at us and says, “11:30. 11:30. 11:30.” I’m sure he wonders what it’s going to take to get through to us.

“I love you,” He says. We look to the opposite sex, to friends, to co-workers, to anyone to communicate to us we are worthy of love.

“I have a purpose for you,” He says. We look to our parents, our teachers, the media, our friends, to anyone who has an agenda to communicate to us that we matter.

“I want you to know joy,” He says. We look to TV, games, vacations, and anything that will provide a thrill to discover happiness.

“I want you to be free,” He says. We look to alcohol, drugs, TV, games, the internet, and anything that will provide an escape to provide freedom.

“You are Mine,” He says. We look to friends, family, co-workers, online chat groups, and anyone who will communicate to us that we belong.

I had to literally clean the wax out of my son’s ears tonight. When I said, “Oooh I almost hit that kitty,” he asked me why I would hit Cadie (my daughter).

So, if you can’t hear God’s words to you, it might be time to get rid of some spiritual ear wax. Get rid of any junk that comes between you and His words. It may be a certain kind of music, a website, or a TV show. It’s different for everyone.

And, Mr. Michaelson, if you are reading this, don’t forget your appointment. Tuesday. April 14th. 11:30.