Sunday, February 27, 2011

Quiet...Time to Listen


Why is it so hard to listen, but so easy to speak? As a teacher, I see that students have a difficult time with this. They may say that they are listening or may even look it. As a parent, our children have difficulty listening. Prayer is our direct communication to God, the Creator of the universe. Often times, actually, most times, I find myself asking for things and thanking Him for things, but take no time to listen what He has to say. Speaking is only one side of communication. To truly understand and participate in a relationship, you have to listen. The Bible on many occasions discusses the importance of listening. In John 10, John compares our relationship to sheep and a shepherd. In John 10:3, Jesus says: “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” Jesus is talking about a shepherd leading the sheep. The sheep (us) need to listen to the shepherd’s (Jesus) voice to be kept safe and heading in the right direction. For us to keep on our path towards heaven, we must also listen to the Good Shepherd.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

In the Midst of Change


Another long day. I find myself once again In the the midst another change...a good change. More time to write and focus on my teaching job and family. Change can be scary. Change can be unpredictable. Change can be good. Change can be bad. Change makes me yell. Change makes me cry. Change makes me laugh. In Philippians 4:10-12 Paul writes, "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I should be used to it by now. Change happens everyday and in my life change is not a stranger. He is my best friend. OK, that statement may be stretching it a little. Change has been prevalent most of my adult life. Change asks me questions and I try to answer. Change makes me think and makes my brain hurt. Change makes me react. So, why do people not like change? Change makes me uncomfortable, but I say I like change. Right? Often times, change = confrontation. Confrontation + me= me not liking change. So, in the midst of change I am pushing forward and focusing on things despite the confrontations that might occur. Margaret Mead once said, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”