Morning Devotional

July 29, 2003

“People Listening”  

by Don Emmitte

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But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them. O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will respond instantly to the sound of your cries. Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and affliction for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes, and you will hear a voice say, "This is the way; turn around and walk here." (Isaiah 30:18-21 NLT). 

In the past few years I think I have become a better listener. I’ve always enjoyed watching people. Sometimes when my wife and I travel to the mall (her favorite hobby) I find it very interesting to just sit on a bench and watch people. Now, however, I have discovered it is even more interesting to listen to people as they walk by me. When we were on vacation I found myself at one of the outlet malls just listening.  

An older brother and younger sister (I think) were walking casually by and one said, "What's wrong?" "I don't wanna talk" said the older boy. A little less then nicely. The other not satisfied with this answer ventured out to ask another question. "You don't want to talk, or you don't want to talk to me?" "I told you I don't wanna rap to you about my sit. Algebra is a breeze next to this one." "Try me" said the little girl. I was amazed at her tenacity. "'K check it. I wanted these wicked tunes but my 'rents said negatory cause the dough wasn't growin' on the moola tree this week." The younger girl thought about this "Can I help?" It ain't no thing but a chicken wing, 'sides my 'rents will fold if I squeeze some sugar into the deallio." Just then the little girl bent her head in prayer, "Lord I really want to help. Could you please just explain it to me in English?"

Have you ever noticed all of the words people are using today? Listening to this younger generation I have learned that when you like something it's slick, sick, or Phat, and if it is bad, its bogus, or you're "trippin". Its amazing to me that the word "Phat" could mean cool and the word "trippin" is anything short of falling and hurting yourself and being embarrassed. It has been like learning a new language. I hope I can conjugate all the verbs!  

How have we gotten so far away from simplicity? How have we come to be able to call on an arsenal of words available to describe something "bad" without remembering that one that is always good? God is the one simple thing in our lives. He is love. That's it. There are no strings, just Love. He speaks the language of Love. He is there among all of the adjectives, adverbs and slang, just waiting to love us. All we need to do is look for and embrace the simple truth that God is Love. Like the little girl, ask God to "Just explain it in English." Or in any other language you understand. He will.