Cats and Dogs

“The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.”  Acts 9:7 NIV

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

“This is the way; walk in it.”  Isaiah 30:21 NIV

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”  John 10:3 NIV

     The territory I cover for work includes a lot of open country with farms and fields that go on for miles.  I cover Hays south to Coldwater and east to South Haven then north to Wichita.  Crack out a map.  That is a big area, but I really do like working in it.  One thing I have learned is that there is still a good deal of open range in our state - no roads, no easements, no utilities – just land.  I visited a client once who owns five square miles uninterrupted by anything that he doesn’t own. 

     I stay in unique places on these trips.  Our camper is known as Claiborn Hotel for some of it.  There is also an Airbnb in an old elementary school in Kiowa and one of my favorites is a place in the country outside of Wellington, Kansas.  I have gotten to know the hosts and enjoy staying in their home situated just outside of town. I stay in a room that has its own view of peace and quiet. 

     I like having quiet time outside.  A bible and a sunrise is a pretty good way to start a day.  On my last visit there I had a cool experience.  Everything was quiet until a dog started barking at something.  The dog was on the property next to theirs, but close enough that it broke up the morning. 

     I sat there thinking for a bit.  Then I noticed the sound of a kitten.  I could not see it, but I could hear it.  They have about 25 cats running around that farm, so they are usually not hard to find, but this kitten was tucked away somewhere out of my sight.  Meanwhile, the dog kept barking.  I kept listening to the kitten, but I could still hear the louder of the two.  I never found the kitten and never saw the dog, but Jesus does not miss an opportunity to teach.

     I realized that morning that if I concentrated on it, I never lost the sound of the kitten and the dog faded into the background.  The dog did not get quieter.  My attention just stayed focused.  Did God send the dog and cat, to teach me a lesson.  I don’t know about that, but I believe He can teach me with anything He chooses.  Some lessons we see as obvious.  Some are less so. 

     I was reminded that morning that I often let too much noise get in the way of the still small voice of my Savior.  He can be loud if He wants.  He can be obvious if He wants.  But if He stays quiet and I work at hearing Him over the commotion of the day, I can still hear the lion of Judah, even when it is as quiet as that kitten. 

I sometimes wonder why I talk so much during quiet time with Him.  I think “quiet” is a suggestion aimed at me more than it is an expectation of Him.  Do you ever just sit in silence?

Do you ever write out a prayer list?  You can use one-word topics or full sentences, it doesn’t matter.  You can also keep track of answered prayers, but I have found that it clears up the airways for His voice. 

Challenge:  I think the difference between hearing and listening is important.  We all hear things all day – radio, television, traffic, conversations etc.  God can speak with thunder and lightning, and we will unmistakenly hear Him.  But I think sometimes God uses a quiet voice so we have to put in effort to listen to Him.  Sit and listen - just in case He is whispering. 

Rick Claiborn