Open Ears and Hearts
There is an old Calvin and Hobbes comic where Calvin and his friend Hobbes are zooming down a hill in their wagon. Calvin says, “I thrive on change.” “You?!,” his friend replies, “You threw a fit this morning because your mom put less jelly on your toast than yesterday!” Calvin clarifies, “I thrive on making OTHER people change.”
The truth is, most of us don’t like change. We get used to our regular habits, routines, and rituals. Some of these are helpful and important. But we can get stuck in ruts. We can become stubborn to our own hurt. Sometimes we actually dig our heels in and resist changes that may truly be helpful.
In the book of Revelation, all of the letters to the seven churches end in this way, “Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”
The Spirit speaks to the churches. The Spirit speaks to us as well, if we have ears to hear.
Listening is a primary practice for spiritual formation. When we make time and space to listen for God’s still small voice, we open ourselves not only to God’s guidance but to deeper strength and courage as well.
Let us pray: God of Hope, we thank you for loving us exactly as we are – right now. And, we also thank you that you love us too much to let us stay this way. You have promised to make all things new – even us. Be present to us in the changes we face. Form us more and more into your image, that we might take hold of the life that is truly life. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
