The whispering wind

The leaves’ constant applause

Thunderous in comparison

On this quiet morning

Birdsong

Water

So many quiet noises

Often unnoticed

In the busyness of day to day

Still

They seem loud in the silence

Nature’s reverie

Why is it so hard to listen?

To really listen?

So many times in conversation

I am only half listening

Even in prayer

My words too many

Am I afraid the silence will yield nothing?

I know better

That would be like expecting the water and leaves and birds

To be silent

Or am I rather afraid

Of what I will hear when I listen?

The things that will fall away

The things I will need to let loose

To let go

My clenched fist

Falling open

Stopping to listen is the first act of letting go

The first act of surrender

Listening a choice

You can spend an entire day

A month

A year

Failing to listen

Only hearing your own agenda

The loud cacophony of the world

Never stopping to hear the gentle music

God is playing

A small act of obedience

But maybe not so small

A first step

And as I watch the sun brighten the sky from gray to blue

The ceaseless sound of water and leaves reminding me

That even the rocks cry out

Creation is singing His praise

Even when I forget to

And in the stillness

I hear the song