Stop, Look, Listen

A few weeks back, I was out of town for a work conference. My first day there, nature put on quite a show for me. I encountered a Snapping Turtle and a Wild Turkey within thirty minutes of one another. If that didn’t make my day interesting enough, I had a beautiful clear sky view of the brightness emanating from Venus and Jupiter. I’ve mentioned multiple times that I’m a nature lover. So seeing a star filled sky topped off my evening. It was an amazing day.

Some of my peers may have felt like the next day didn’t have much to behold, but I beg to differ. Rain tends to be very comforting for me. That rainy day was just as reflective and spectacular as the one filled with wildlife and stars. It’s funny as I reflect a little on the difference in those days. One was what most people would consider beautiful and energizing. The other is what many would say was dull and dreary. Both opportunities showed me the truth of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. 

That next night, a group of us were out near a pier, out for a walk and taking in some beautiful scenary. When I glanced up, I was treated to yet another spectacular show. A true star filled sky. Many of us were so surprised by what we were seeing that it became comical. Our heads were all tipped way back for striving to see that we were all in danger of falling over! I was reminded of the moment I spotted a fireball a few weeks prior. Most folks in my community were indoors. Those outside at that moment had no idea what was going on above their heads. Since I’m a nature lover, I’m often glancing up or observing. In that moment, however, I couldn’t help but wonder just how much we miss in life because we fail to stop, look, and listen.

It’s funny to me because I recall that phrase from my school days. At the time, it’s primary purpose was for teaching us about road safety as little pedestrians. In my adult years, I find that it has a deeper ingrained meaning for me. While pedestrian safety is paramount, I find that I observe a lot more when I take an opportunity to follow a similar strategy. The first thing I take into account about my work conference is that many of us are leaders in some fashion. We don’t always have the time built into our workday to pause and take in the stars. For me, that was the entire point. At times, we can get so busy being busy, that we don’t stop and take a break. 

There is nothing wrong with a nature break. I find that a moment alone with my thoughts, God, and nature is often more refreshing than that espresso from a local coffee chain or what have you. But that’s me. Whatever grabs you is what you have to pursue. Maybe it’s a book break. Maybe it’s a nap. Whatever the case may be. Find what allows you to pause. Use that opportunity to recenter. I enjoy a nature drive now and then because it gives me the opportunity to do exactly that. I have a chance to pray and to listen to God. 

As I think back on the  many things I’ve observed during my stop, look, listen moments, I can’t help but realize I would not have encountered any of them if I hadn’t done so. That’s where this encouragement comes from. I’ve had many experiences of pausing and suddenly hearing or seeing an answer I seek. I shared a few weeks ago how my dad couldn’t find his keys until he slowed down. That’s our life sometimes. We need to slow down. If we are in a hurry, we are bound to miss something. I mentioned last week how that impatience I experienced with my career led me down a path of seeking opportunities elsewhere. If I went full steam ahead, I wouldn’t be who or where I am today. 

Perhaps that is yet another aspect of Stop, Look, Listen. Learning what patience means. I remember a minister mention that it’s not about us just waiting. It’s how. Anyone can wait, afterall. Many of us have probably experienced impatient waiters. We should instead strive to be confident in our waiting. Afterall, if we trust God to deliver, then we need to show it. If we begin embracing a slow down, we might start hearing some of the answers we’re looking for.

Love what God Loves

John 15:12