Take Time To Listen

Troy Conrad
Troy Conrad

Every time we open our mouths to speak, others get a look into our minds.

"The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom." Proverbs 10:31

Way back in junior high I watched as NFL running back Earl Campbell absolutely decimated an opposing team. The quarterback would hand the ball off to him, he'd hit the line of scrimmage and literally carry the entire defense on his back for about 10 yards. Well, those defensive players he hadn't run over. I was so excited after the game I couldn't wait for football practice the next day to talk about it.

When practice came, I got suited up and headed out to the field. A group of guys were hanging around the tackling dummies so I went over to them. When I walked up, the first thing I heard was, "they couldn't stop him. He just bulled his way through."

Overly excited now I said, "I know right!" Then I launched into a long story about how he had the ball for six plays in a row and got a first down on each play. I described in exquisite detail how he would run over the cornerbacks and plow through the linebackers. I used hand motions and even once fell on the ground while trying to mimic what it must have felt like getting hit by Earl Campbell.

After I had finished, I looked up at my buddies and they were all staring at me in disbelief.

"What?" I innocently asked. "Don't you think it was awesome?"

Finally one of my friends helped me and said, "Troy. We have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."

"But, but, Earl Campbell" I stammered. "You know how he bulled his way through everyone."

"Ooookkkkaaaayy" they said, still not understanding.

Then I asked what they were talking about.

"We're talking about how Mr. T kept beating everyone up in Rocky!" they exclaimed.

Oh. My bad.

That ever happen to you? You get so excited about telling a story that you automatically assume that everyone around you is just as excited. I think sometimes that's how God feels. Every day of our lives God watches us wake up, get ready for the day. Everyday God is eagerly waiting to share grace and goodness. Everyday God watches as we go through our life, ignoring the wonderful opportunities we have to hear the Good News. And every day when we lay back down God thinks, "We're just not talking about the same things."

This day take time to listen to what God has planned for you in your life. Share in God's grace and live for God's glory.

Let us pray.

Our Gracious God. We pray for the needs of our people today. We've all come with individual and very personal needs. Maybe nobody on earth knows about the struggles and burdens they're facing, but You know and You invite us to bring everything to You in prayer. So, we each reach out to You and we know that You're already reaching out to us. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

PASTOR TROY CONRAD IS MINISTER OF THE FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

Religion on 09/10/2014