Janet is our church cook. Yesterday, she was unable to attend worship because she was busy cooking lunch for the New Members/Visitors Class that I teach on Methodism.
When I walked into the parlor kitchen and saw the wonderful feast that Janet had prepared, she proudly said, “I want you to know that I listened to your sermon while I was cooking.” I said, “That’s wonderful. What did I say?” That’s when she suddenly went into deer in the headlights mode.
It’s not that Janet hadn’t been listening to the sermon – she had. But the distractions associated with making a very impressive lunch had gotten in the way of her actually hearing. I do the same thing all the time.
There are times when I listen for God’s will in my life and I allow myself to be so distracted, that even if God came over the radio and told me exactly what I was to do, I wouldn’t hear it.
As you begin a new workweek filled with the hustle and bustle of daily living, sit down, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, push all the distractions and concerns out of your mind, and simply listen.
The more you do this simple exercise, the more you will be able to hear the One who created, loves, sustains, and saved you.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ESV)
If you both listen and hear, you will be on the right track.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me hear you through the distractions in life that clamor and call for my attention. Help me to focus on what really matters. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I feel bad that Janet missed the greatest sermon ever in the history of sermons. So to make it up to her, this week, as she is cooking, I will go into the church kitchen and preach the sermon again. It’s the least I can do. She will love it.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 