There is a story, an anecdote, that speaks of a blind man. I do not recall the entire story, but I do remember its poignant ending.
The setting of the story is a city—the kind of city where there is the constant hum of activity—pedestrian chatter, honking car horns, emergency vehicles, power tools on a construction site, and so on. In the midst of this setting, the blind man is asked to share what he hears amongst all the noise. The man’s response is that he hears a cricket.
The person who asked him the question is amazed! How is it possible to hear a cricket in the loud din of the downtown noise?! The blind man’s response is simple—he is able to hear the cricket because he is listening.
The other morning I almost missed one of my “crickets”, a magnificent sunrise. It caught my eye, and I heard that familiar voice inside saying, “Stop, be still, enjoy, and thank the Lord for the beauty…” but I couldn’t. My heart and mind were too “cluttered”—consumed with thoughts of my “to do” lists, obligations, concerns… No time to stop, appreciate and listen.
“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” Hebrew 12:1b,2a
Today, allow the Lord to help you “declutter”. Stop, listen and take time to enjoy the “crickets” in your life.
–Katie Botello
