We're never alone

 

Before my retirement from management, I was sometimes (often) frustrated by those under my supervision who didn’t appear to listen.  Despite my best efforts and repeated instructions, suggestions and admonitions, my subordinates would take a different path, turn in the wrong direction or make a dumb mistake.  They knew what they should do, but they didn’t do it.  I frequently found myself sighing loudly and rolling my eyes over their bullheaded behavior that could have, and sometimes did get them into some real trouble, even the loss of their jobs, if I hadn’t “put in a good word” for them with my bosses.

That kind of behavior resonated with me as I was reading my Scriptures today, where Moses interceded for those who had built the molten calf to worship it.  Moses asked God to relent from punishing those who had strayed, who didn’t listen to God and Moses. God listened to Moses and relented [Exodus 32:7-14, Psalm 106:19-23]. In a Gospel reading from John, Jesus seemed exasperated that people didn’t listen or if they did listen, they didn’t hear.  He told of people searching the Scriptures to find eternal life, yet they didn’t want to come to Jesus to have that life [John 5:31-47].

My reflection on these readings made me realize that this lack of listening, or perhaps it’s listening and not really hearing, also characterizes my relationship with God.  I have instructions, suggestions and admonitions, but I sometimes stray away from what I should do and who I should be.  I don’t hear.  I may listen to the Gospel, but I’m easily swayed by my own bullheadedness.  I pray that I really hear God and that I listen with an open heart and a mind and a will that are open to God’s way, not just my way.

Jesus says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”  [Matthew 6:33]

I’ll be the first to admit that, from time to time, I’ve found myself ignoring God when things are going well.  But when something happens that’s not good — BAM — I start to pray.  I suspect that it’s safe to say that there are many people who will turn to prayer only when something’s gone wrong, or someone is ill, or is in need.

But I’ll also be the first to admit that when I keep a strong, connected relationship with Jesus through prayer, it keeps me grounded when the storms do arise.  It helps me to act as a better person, to forgive, to love.  Rising from whatever tomb I find myself in at the moment isn’t nearly as impossible as it seems when I let Jesus guide me through what have been the toughest times of my life.

He carries us when we can’t walk.

I know how busy we all are.  Believe me.  But there are so many opportunities for prayer we might overlook…  What about driving in traffic, or perhaps while we do our work?  What about praying before our meal in a restaurant, even though everyone can see?  Even pulling weeds or doing our laundry or washing dishes can be beautiful if we can remember we’re accompanied by Christ in every step.

We’re never alone.