Stop, Look, and Listen

Bible Reading: Psalm 104:24-34

“Do you see that?” Joey’s grandma pointed to a small yellow bird perched in a tree. “That’s a goldfinch. They like to eat seeds from my coneflowers in summertime. Now, listen. Do you hear that bird singing, ‘Teakettle, teakettle, teakettle, tea!’?”

Joey listened, closing his eyes to focus, then nodded.

“That’s a Carolina wren. He and his mate built a nest in one of my empty flower pots.” Grandma smiled as she listened too.

“I love coming to your house, Grandma. You have so many birds in your yard. We don’t have any at our house.”

“Oh, they’re there,” Grandma said, chuckling. “You just have to stop, look, and listen.”

“That’s what Mom and Dad tell me to do before crossing the street.” Joey looked confused. “What does that have to do with birds?”

“There are birds pretty much everywhere,” Grandma said. “Even in big cities. Most people just don’t take the time to notice them. When you go home tomorrow, stop whatever else you’re doing, look around your yard, and listen, just like you listened for that wren’s song. I guarantee you’ll discover a bird or two. Then you can look in that bird guide I gave you to learn more about them.”

“How do you know so much about birds, Grandma?”

“I guess I’ve been watching and listening for a long time now,” Grandma said. “You know, Joey, birdwatching often reminds me that God is everywhere too. It helps me stop and listen to what He’s saying to me.”

“I go to church to learn about God,” Joey said skeptically.

“Yes, we do learn about God at church,” Grandma agreed, “but God is with us everywhere, not just at church. He created birds and everything else, and His creation points to His goodness and glory. But many people never stop what they’re doing long enough to pay attention. They never even know He’s there.” She looked at Joey. “God has also given us a book so we can learn more about Him.”

“The Bible?” asked Joey.

“That’s right. The Bible tells us who He is and how much He loves us. Reading it opens our eyes to God’s presence and the eternal life He offers us through Jesus.”

“Look, Grandma!” Joey pointed at the flower garden. “A hummingbird!”

“Good spotting!” Grandma beamed at him. “I didn’t even see it!” -Suzanne Felton

How About You?

Did you know that wherever you go, God is there? He is present everywhere, but it can be hard to notice if you don’t pay attention. Today’s world is full of distractions, but when you take time to look at His creation and listen to what He’s saying to you in the Bible, you can sense His presence all around you. Spend some time with Him every day, and remember that He is always with you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God is with us everywhere