Open ears

This week in church I was reminded (by my wife in the pulpit) of the power of listening - for the voice that may call us where we are to something new. I was reminded of a time I was playing rugby in my home town, though not for the home town team. Preston Grasshoppers was always a daunting place to play, and this particular game was rather unfortunate for me. During the game I sustained a knock to my head and stayed down for a few minutes, catching glimpses of the following week! With a dull haze in my head I eventually came round and carried on playing. Moments later I took a second blow to the head and again, forcing me to the ground once more. I remember folks gathering around me, including players, referee and physio, all talking about what to do. So many voices, but all a blurr - until I heard a familiar voice, as crisp and clear as day. 'Come on, Adrian, it's time to go'. I reached up with my hand and reached into the hand of my father, who had come onto the pitch to guide me off. I knew when I heard this voice that I must go - no argument or discussion, just take his hand and let him lead me off the field. Now, having a parent come onto the playing field was not the done thing - it just didn't happen. While I had many things going on in my head at the time, not all so clear, the voice I knew so well provided clarity and with it a deep sense of love. It's not often that I have been given instruction and taken it without some comment - disapproval, sarcasm or attempted wit! But on this occassion I got up and walked with my father's arm around me and let him guide me. It was a treasured moment I will never forget.

I do not know if God's voice comes so clearly as my father's voice that day. Perhaps for some it does. For the early disciples it seems the call to follow was just that clear. When the head is weary and there are many voices pulling our minds in many different dierctions, maybe it's time to listen for a voice of clarity, and to reach out our hand and be helped to our feet. Perhaps it will not be the voice of God we hear but rather the voice of a loved one, a friend, or even a helpful stranger.Then again, who's to say God's voice is not so far away after all?