I'm a teacher, so I'm used to counting backwards from five and using other tricks to get students to listen in the classroom. I often ask them to listen to me with their eyes and ears - to look at me when I'm speaking. In doing this, I'm hoping they will focus 100%, and listen to what I'm saying. (This is a pipe dream in the classroom, but it's what I'm reaching for.)
On a more personal note, there is a place where this hasn't been working for me lately. These are the times when I sit with my Bible, a pen, and a cup of coffee ready to listen to God, my Teacher. Or at least they should be.
Instead, I confess, my "quiet" times have become everything but quiet. I have not been a listening student!
For some reason, I'm still standing in front of a classroom doing all the talking. You know, "Oh Lord, please be with Janet, Julie, Jeff and Keven. Help me with this. Help me with that. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." I know these are needs and people I pray for, but good grief! Maybe God would like to get a word in edgewise?
Sometimes, I even jump up to call someone who needs encouragement - right there in the middle of my quiet (?) time. Doesn't this mean I'm excusing myself from God, and running off to do something I consider more important?
This is not an image I am comfortable with. I want God to receive my full attention. I want my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to be set on him, especially when I'm having my devotional time!
I want more of God and less of my frenetic personality. Less chatter inside my head when I am kneeling. Less jumping up to make a phone call or refill a coffee cup. I want to become a better listener.
When I sit down in the mornings and God counts backwards from the number five, I want to be looking straight into his face and hearing what He has to say.
I want these words to apply to me: Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Does this ever happen to you? How do you handle it?
My blogs will always be simple and a little silly, because that's the way God made me. If you wrestle with shutting off distractions during your devotional time, will you share what works for you?
Thanks for listening. I hope I will, too.
