But I Didn't Hear You

I was in the seventh grade at the time, back when even seventh-graders got an afternoon recess. A bunch of us kids in Mr. Van Zee’s classroom (see posting A Ready Answer) had established an ongoing, vigorous game somewhat modeled after the game “Capture the Flag.” At least, that is the best I remember it. I was co-captain of one of the two teams (armies) with a red-head named Nancy. We’d often spend a few minutes at lunch-time planning our strategy for the afternoon.

One day during the skirmish, our squad hadn’t fared too well. So, as we went in after recess, Nancy suggested that I come over to her place after school for a thorough planning session. Sounded good to me! So I dashed the short distance home on my bike, said Hi to my mother hurriedly, dropped my school things in the living room, and took off for Nancy’s place.

Nancy lived on the shore of Lake Burien. Her family had a row boat, cat-tails to explore, and a nice, shady lawn sloping down from the house to the lake. So Nancy and I spent a couple of hours catching bullfrogs, rowing the boat and sitting on the lawn. We may have even planned strategy. I don’t recall. However, supper time eventually came, and Nancy’s mother invited me to join the family for supper. Having missed supper at my own home without permission before, I decided I better call Mom first. I remember my mother’s two sentences: “Where have you been? Get home right now!” Which I did.

On arriving home, I found my parents in the backyard. They were not happy with me. My mother asked why I had taken off without permission, especially when she’d told me to wash up because the family was going to go out to a restaurant for supper. Oops! I assured my mother that I hadn’t heard her, but she explained that I had been standing right in the doorway when she told me.

Have you ever been so preoccupied with your own plans, that you don’t hear God telling you His plans for your life? I’m not talking about downright, intentional ignoring, here. I mean, so engrossed in something you want to do, that God can’t break through unless He knocks you off your horse on the way to Damascus? My mother didn’t knock me off a horse, but she did have a paddle I was acquainted with. I’d met it several times.

How easy it is to get sidetracked. Are we able to hear Him when He calls us softly? Do we try to keep our ears open to hear His instructions? Christ has said that His sheep hear His voice, and follow Him. Can you hear Him? With a voice of love He calls us.

Perhaps you’ve seen the billboard or bumper sticker, purporting to be God speaking: “Don’t make me come down there.” May we each make listening for His voice our first priority. Instead of playing Capture the Flag, let us earnestly work on Capture the Crown.

Don’t let Satan put either bullfrogs or “redheads” in your way.

Dr. G

(Nancy died her freshman year in college of a brain tumor. She was a good friend)