A cup of coffee on the deck with two cats waiting for the sun to break the horizon was my silent time this morning. One of the benefits of being unsupervised is the freedom to enjoy the peace and solitude of a new day. I listened for the still, small voice of God but only heard a frustrated cardinal say, “Dude, we could use a little more black oil sunflower seed in the feeder…” So I waved at him, pretended not to hear the request, and jumped into Mark Batterson’s devotional, “Whisper: How To Hear The Voice Of God.” This morning is no exception, and I came across a thought that resonated with me on Day 4…
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The Whispering Spot:
“Listening doesn’t happen by default; it happens by design. You have to seek solitude, seek silence. You have to ruthlessly eliminate distractions. And you have to turn some voices down or tune them out altogether. It might be as innocent as talk radio or as innocuous as social media. Why not turn off the radio and talk to God during your commute? Or fast from social media for a season? Or take a silent retreat?
I don’t want to overspiritualize the importance of a whispering spot, but I don’t want to underspiritualize it either. Even if you take spirituality out of the equation, you need a space or place to get some peace and quiet. If you live in a city, as I do, it’s not easy. And if you’re a parent of little children, it might be ten minutes during naptime.
Your whispering spot will be as unique as you are, but you need to find a time and place to hear the still, small voice of God.”
Mark Batterson
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Headed back to the deck with a fresh cup. Right after I fill a request received from the bird feeder, and listen for a while longer.
Peace! G.