The Will to Listen

Out of nothing, we arise as puffs of mist from the ground. Drifting along the landscape, we proceed through our lives, like spirits across the moors of Scotland. Our feet never really touch the ground, much less leave a footprint, as we wend our way from birth to death.

Grasping as we go, we frantically seek to slow the inevitable progression of time, as it carries us along to our graves. But, to no avail, our nearly non-existent hands can barely lift food to our mouths, much less take hold of anything substantial.

So, then, why are we here? To what end is anything we do? We shout into the void to assert our existence, but does anyone hear? Why is there such silence? Even our frenetic self-congratulatory gatherings fall to the ground, when the circus strikes camp in the morning, and heads to the next town.

Yet, peeking from behind the numinous, a flickering flame calls our attention. “What was that? I saw something!”, we might say. “No way, it was nothing”, our friends might tell us. Yet, it was there, whispering to us, from beyond the chaotic distractions which the world offers to us, as opiates.

Each on his own desert trek, must happen upon a bush that burns, but is not consumed. Will we take off our shoes and listen? Will we hear the Voice from beyond that calls our name?

What gold can buy, words conjure, or feats merit, such an encounter? None, whatsoever.

Instead, we must clear our lives of clutter, wait, and listen. We must peel back the layers of callousness brought on by years of ingratitude and blatant hubris of mind.

Then, only then, can we begin to hear the still small voice that calls us. When we assert our will – not “to power”, but “to listen”. That is when we will be able to hear our name, and not until.

The Eternal waits and calls, seeks and knocks, speaks and waits for us to hear.

It is as if the entire universe of what truly is, what really matters, the answers to all of our questions, in fact, the very key to our being, is waiting to rush into the vacuum of our souls. If only we would open the door of our will! That is, our right to radical autonomy, which is the only thing that can resist the infinite love that seeks us.

The Eternal is calling your name, just like Samuel’s. When you hear His voice, say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening!”.