“What’s that?!” I asked myself as the shrill call of a cricket broke the silence. I searched the room and discovered the location of the small but vocal insect. Was he calling out for his lady love? Perhaps challenging a contender for that love? The cricket suddenly went quiet as it sensed my presence.
Quiet… Have you ever experienced that awkward silence after someone says something embarrassing or inappropriate? It’s just “crickets,” they say. Or perhaps you’ve worked and planned or struggled to complete some project or event. You speak about it with passion… and then nothing, little or no response! It’s enough to dishearten the best of us, isn’t it?!
There are so many examples of just this in the Bible. The prophets, those sent to bring warning or instruction, were often ignored and the people refused to listen to them. The disciples and early church had their difficulties with this too.
So, what do we do? Being contented in my own path and voice keeps me going, although moments of doubts happen. Choosing to continue, finding that path or calling, and being obedient and trusting God for fruit all help us to follow that vision.
For me, that could mean reevaluating or revising what I’m doing or saying… or writing. It also brings my attention and prayers for that one who did hear or will hear. This is building on one, and one, and one… even in the face of apparent “crickets.” We don’t always know or realize the positive, or negative, impact one person has on another one. Don’t undervalue the significance of solitary encounters and their possible life-changing resounding effects.
Just as the cricket’s voice calls out to others, keep on singing. Keep on striving. Keep on following your passion. Let your words encourage and strengthen. Let your actions speak. Lift up the “one” who God places in your path… and listen for the voices of fellow crickets. God speaks in the quiet.
• Breathe deeply and fully as you move through each day • Stout support is important when faced with slippery slopes • Persevere through difficult spots • When the way is uncertain pause, wait, and pray • Those who go before us make our own destinations possible • Be sure of the one you are following • To avoid danger or loss be aware of the path • Follow the signs when you need to change directions • Be alert for snares along the way • Making hard decisions not to follow poor leadership brings reward • The narrow road may climb and twist, but the crest is sweet • Easy stretches are welcomed times to catch our breath • A cloudless sky and shining sun warm the spirit • Quiet hush and cool mists bring peace to the soul who listens • As you pass through golden meadows, remember life’s simple treasures • God is like a cool drink from a mountain stream
• Communication is a circle not a one-way line • The gift of language is a foundation upon which all is built • Fruitful communication requires more than one sender • Take care not to spend all your time in self-absorption • Touch another life in positive support and compassion • Affirm worth and heed subtle calls for help • Words once spewed from our mouth cannot be recovered • Flashy ads and gadgets can distract us from what matters • Seek knowledge with careful thought • Value learning for a fuller and richer life • When dark clouds gather we need each other • Giving someone your full attention is priceless • The sound of a caring voice can bring sunshine to a life • Listen to God who hears our calls
• Great leaps arise from great thought • Dive into good tasks with all you have • Jumping into things without thought can cause unwanted splashes • Our voices are heard in community • Speak with forethought as ears are listening • Sometimes we bellow to draw attention • Listening to constant bellowing can lead to depression • Overwhelming others for the sake of gain will backlash • Big eyes may cause us to overconsume • When we all want something only for ourselves things can get violent • The finest looking morsel can sour once gained • Night can blind us to danger or cloak us in peace • Wait and watch so you will be prepared • Good change grows as our Creator works
The Still Small Voice 