Who are you listening to?

That is the question of our lives.  I have been watching “The Tudors” about the reign of Henry VIII and it is clear that a king can live in a bubble and the most important question is: who is he listening to?  His advisors change as his wives change and he brings one family in and the other family out.  It affects his relationship with the church and his people and his God.  Who he is listening to

And then I watch our president as advisors move in and out and the question is: who is he listening to?  The generals?  Steve Bannon? His base?  The republican leaders?  The pundits on TV?  The suggestion is that it effects decisions that he is making.  Who he is listening to

And then there is Margot.  Who is she listening to?  Often it is the voices within that tell her that she needs to be productive.  Or the cultural messages that seem to say that her worth is in her efforts and her titles?  Can she hear the voice of God speaking words of love.  She can write about it and talk about it – but can she hear it?  Is she listening to her ego with its needs to control, authority and position?  Is she listening to her inner child who is afraid of the future and wants someone to take care of her?  Is she listening to her soul that desires gentleness, peace, love, beauty.  Who is she listening to

That is the question of my life.  Who am I listening to?   I desire to go deep and to hear God’s whispers and invitations but the other voices can be so insistent and so demanding.  So much that I often just stop trying and numb out in the effort to be present.  But of course, that does not lead to life – but almost limbo.

So today begins again the practice of seeking to listen to the Holy One who loves me. I read, write, pray and trust that in my desire to be present I might receive a word today that will guide me on this journey with God. And may I know that God is a listener for me as I struggle to be faithful.

Today brings with it a trip to the dentist, meetings, and reading.  May I remember that God is here listening to me and offering me blessings upon blessings.

Prayer by Maxine Shonk

May the LISTENING God embrace you. 

May your voice become true and clear in the presence of the God who listens. 

May you come close to the ear of God and entrust your deepest secrets, the unspeakable and the unresolved, the tender truth of your devotion and the fragile residue of the fear in your heart.

May the Spirit pray in you as you open yourself up in God’s hearing.

May God the LISTENER bless you.

Amen