It unnerves me a little bit....on the mornings that I recognize it. Our lawn and the town we live in....a 'tree city'....is conducive to birds being everywhere. We have a bird feeder and bird bath....and the sound of chirping birds in the early morning hours is striking in it's peaceful harmony. I can be amazed at times just listening to the different sounds....but there are days when I can stand on my patio.....to the same symphony.....and not hear a single chirp. Somehow the cares of the day block it all out.
In only about an hour after posting this I will be wearing my headphones and listening to a sermon by either some faithful preacher of the past....or a preacher of today who preaches like faithful preachers of the past. This is my norm....wonderful preaching of Christ....once....often two and three times a day....but I struggle with it while on vacation....for there are too many activities where I simply cannot put those headphones on....and just like when on the patio....with the cares of the world in my mind....I do not experience the peace that should be there.
In the evening while on those vacations....usually late in the evening....I will sit in the quiet of the room and open God's Word....extra-fine pen and highliters at hand.....and begin to read....but sixteen hours straight of activity on this 72 year old body.....and I am struggling big time to keep my eyelids open. It's like clockwork...as I can predict the emptiness that will threaten me when embarking on a trip somewhere. The car drive itself is good as I can and do listen and meditate upon God while driving....but as soon as the vehicle is parked in that hotel parking garage....the struggle begins.
I post this personal experience....to encourage the reader....that care must be taken.....even vigilance....to keep from straying away from the Good Shepherd. If only we would take the time to examine our normal day....and note any and every hour that may be spent on something around the house....or a hobby....and then comparing that total time....to that which we give to the One who is the most glorious and wonderful of kings....not to mention He who gave His life that we might live forever.
Ultimately....and philosophers have studied this forever....we do what we desire to do....displaying that which is what is most important to us.....and in this case....it is either us who is the most important.....or it is God. What is remarkable about this....is that if we seek that which we desire....happiness and joy.....we never really get it....but if we seek only that which glorifies God....He gives us that which we desired to begin with....peace and joy....and in great abundance!
So when I go out on that patio....which I did an hour ago....with the cares of the world bearing down upon me....I hear nothing from the beauty of God's creation.....but when I settle down and thank God for mercies upon someone such as I....that sound all of a sudden rings gloriously in my ears!
