That Noisy Garbage

This morning I had a funny spiritual illustration cross my path as I was walking to work. This happens almost daily and they make me chuckle.

I was listening to a podcast of one of my favorite Bible teachers this morning as I sojourned to work on the ped express. I love to walk. Let me say it again. I love to walk, it is addicting to me and I love the sense of moving on my own power. Sometimes I dread the time it takes to get from point A to point B, because, after all, I am as impatient as any earth dweller these days to have everything hot n’ now.

But once I get going, look out. Can’t stop. Unless it’s 20 below zero and it’s more pain than it’s worth.

This morning I found myself trying to listen to a great bible study while I walked. It was also garbage day in my neighborhood. And when that truck is doing it’s stop-and-start thing it’s loud. Really loud. It might turn the corner, but it’s just a matter of time before it comes your way again. And I can’t hear my study when the garbage truck comes calling. Isn’t that just like life? All the garbage of this world that comes into our visual and audio fields every day is just so much loud distraction. I can’t hear from the Lord when all the garbage is trying to fill my ears and distract me. And I don’t want to miss hearing His voice as it is the single most precious thing to me in life.

So, next time the garbage truck comes by, if you can’t tune it out, turn the corner, flee from it, and re-tune your ears to that still small voice. Nothing else matters.