Listening and Relationship

Yesterday my Spiritual Formation class from The Baptist Seminary of Kentucky spent the day at the Abbey of Gethsemani.  We were fortunate to have Bro. Paul spend part of the day with us.  He said that he came to the Abbey in order to better listen for God in the silence of a contemplative place.  The Abbey is a place of silence.  In the silence one can listen for those "holy nudges."  Bro. Paul indicated that listening is critical for the developing of a relationship.  I hadn't thought of listening in that manner.  Listening is so important that the first word in the Rule of St. Benedict is "listen."  I think of listening for God so that I can get a word.  That is also crucial.  However, listening is more than just getting a word.  Listening is foundational for the developing of a relationship.  Without listening a couple's relationship will diminish.  To develop some times of silence and listen for God is important.  I may hear a word from God but, also, that act of listening helps develop and deepen that relationship with God.

Things Are Not Always As They Appear

I don't like the taste of beer. I never have and can't seem to develop that taste. However, I admit that I haven't tried too hard to develop the taste. A few days ago at the grocery store, I noticed a shelf of individual bottles of beer, most of which I had never seen before. I was curious. I looked them over. They were bottled with fascinating labels. Since they were new to me, I decided I get two different ones just to try. They looked so appealing. I bought them and took them home. Over the next several days, I opened each and tasted the contents. I didn't like the taste of either. They both tasted like beer and I don't like the taste of beer. So, down the sink they went. I spent a couple of dollars on something I knew I didn't like but they looked so appealing. I wish I didn't need to keep on learning a basic lesson about life--things are not always as they appear.