Are We Listening?

I was upset…to see a young man who worked as a server in that favorite restaurant my friend and I frequented. This place offered healthy options in their menu. Taking advantage of a beautiful Sunday, I picked up my friend and took her there to make her forget her worries. Even for a few hours. I knew she always enjoyed the drive. As I always took the scenic drive by the beaches. Until I made that familiar turn in that corner where the restaurant was. We were both surprised to see a few parking spots that were usually filled and hard to get on weekdays.

“There’s no one here? No!!!” my friend uttered, not believing the calmness and the small throng of eaters outside that were usually busy and all tables occupied.

healthier quesadilla

the chocolate shake I had

Sipping the remaining delicious chocolate shake I ordered with my food, he walked by and I tried catching his attention.

“Excuse me!” 

“Would it be okay for my friend to get a refill of your passion iced tea?” I specifically asked as my friend requested for me to do so as she needed to do something.

“No problem,” was his quick response, with his steps barely stopping and not wanting to stop by our table it seemed.

Few minutes went by. My friend came back to the table.

“Aww…You didn’t ask for my tea?”

“Of course, I did. But I don’t know what’s taking him a long time,” I replied.

My eyes began to wander. I saw him. The curly haired young man who said there was no problem getting the refill. He never came back. He started taking orders until the line became busy which was not there yet when I asked him.

“He’s right there!” I pointed to my friend, my index finger pointing at his direction. But the finger he wouldn’t be able to see as he wasn’t looking at our direction.

“That’s okay,” my friend said. As she quickly got up, holding her empty frosted glass and went by the cash register where he was. Still…No one was acknowledging her presence. 

Usually, I wouldn’t be upset knowing how busy that place could be. But at that moment, I knew I was feeling the treatment those servers were giving my friend. They were not paying attention. It seemed that guy didn’t even listen to me. Until I saw another young man asked my friend what she needed. And saw him gave her a fresh glass of the iced tea. It was quick…Because he listened…

I turned on the car’s engine and let go of that imminent dangerous “anger”. I wouldn’t let myself ruin this beautiful day. How grateful I was that my friend and I had that wonderful dinner together. Despite the mishap with the service. Suddenly, we were both enjoying the beautiful sunset. I heard the fast wheels of the bikers that came close. The cars stopping by the 4-way stops. The mild coming and going of the ocean waves. I didn’t notice that earlier as I was concentrating on my driving. But at that time, the more I enjoyed the scenery. Because my ears heard…as I paid attention…

the beautiful sunset I would have missed if I didn't pay attention...

ahhh...the cars...people...houses by the beach...the blue waters...

“Thank you so much,” a soft whisper my friend gave to me. But so audible because I was listening…

“You’re always welcome…”

Lots of times, I struggle with many trials. Wondering why God seems far away when I need Him the most. I question, too if He truly listens to my prayers…Then again, can it be me? Who doesn’t listen to what He is trying to tell me? I am busy looking and hearing what goes on with each storm that comes by in my life. Instead of paying attention, trying to listen to His Word that usually guides, comforts, strengthens, and encourages? Or maybe I am too busy to find my own solutions, using my own strength instead of letting Him show me the way to avoid a disaster, or to see the light in those dark areas, or His truth leading me out of the lies I grew up believing?

How about you? Are you and I listening to Him?

"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”- John 8:47

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.- Proverbs 2:1-5

For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds. - Job 33:14-15

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10