The quieter you become, the more you can hear. –Ram Dass
It couldn’t have been a more perfect ending to the day. The light breeze rippled over the surface of the lake creating a watercolor reflection of the peachy-blue, dusk lit skies. Gentle waves lapped up against the shore in a relaxing rhythm inviting me to slow my breath to its beat. My family’s silhouettes bobbed up and down in a canoe as they paddled out toward the sunset. Echoes of their laughter bounced back to me with joy. I stood at the water’s edge to take it all in. The scene before me seemed like it was painted just for me. Painted with attention to detail and brushed with peace and love.
The rush to get to camp and the busyness of the day melted off every tense and tired muscle leaving puddles of unwanted, unnecessary stress on the shore. I felt lighter, freer. Peace quieted my mind and made space in my heart to hear. To hear is so much more difficult to do than to listen. At home, I listen to the noise of the world and responsibilities at high volume. But here, at camp, God had cleared my schedule and removed distractions. He quieted the noise and had my full attention. I was ready to receive and hear. And here are a few things I heard…
“Be still, know I am God.” Psalm 46:10
“Let me teach you and give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-29
“You are mine.” 1 John 3:1, 1 Peter 2:9
“I made you in my image, wonderfully and fearfully made, with a purpose.” Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10
“I delight in you.” Zephaniah 3:17
“I have great things planned for you and your family. “ Jeremiah 29:11
“Let me go first. You are not alone.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“Rest in the confidence of my faithfulness.” Psalm 91:4
“Enjoy life and all I have given you.” John 10:10
And, “I love you. Abide in my love.” John 15:9, Jeremiah 31:3
God wants to paint a scene of peace and love just for you too. It might not be a lakeside sunset, but He KNOWS how best to get our individual attention with a pursuit of love, grace and mercy. God wants to help quiet our noisy hearts to embrace a quiet one, to move from half listening to wholeheartedly hearing. So, be ready to be caught off guard (in a good way) and be ready to receive what He wants to you to hear.
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