We ate dinner last night with some of my mom's side of the family (we are vacationing at the lakehouse in AR this week). It was really enjoyable. Went to a nice mexican place, then went to Braum's for ice cream. There, my uncle was talking to us just about some of our experiences overseas and things we have learned. One thing he said really stuck with me:
"God whispers in our pleasures, but He shouts in our pain."
I started thinking about that on the way back to the lakehouse yesterday. I started thinking about how often God shouts to us to teach us during our times of pain and suffering, but how often we cover our ears to this. Maybe because we don't feel that we should be "teachable" while we are in pain. Maybe other reasons. What are your thoughts on this statement and perhaps about the idea that we "cover our ears" during this time? Just curious your thoughts!
That uncle of yours. He sure is a smart man. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat really is a great statement though!!
I agree 100% with your assessment. When we are happy, it doesn't take as much to hear Him. We are so joyous, and God is joy. So He is easily found.
But our pain... that is a different story. I think sometimes the pain is so consuming we can't seem to focus on anything but the situation. And so God has to shout at us to get through the haze...
Great thoughts Shawna!
Hope you enjoy your vacation! I sure wish I could have been there last night to eat with you guys!
I guess God is kind of like a mother whose children are not listening to her. The more they don't listen and obey, the louder she gets. But there is a difference... God is much more patient than every single mother on the face of this earth. The reason, sometimes, a mother gets louder is because she is getting more and more frustrated. But God gets louder because He loves us so much and He knows what's best for us. If we would just listen to Him, some or maybe even all of our pain would go ahead (same with listening to Mom). ;) I love you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rachel and your Mom. Jeff was glad to be able to spend a few minutes with you and Nate last night, although he wishes he could have had a lot longer to sit and visit with both of you. It was great to see you "again" -- I put the pictures on Facebook. Sure hope the sun is shining in NWA today for you! I loved the tree picture your Mom sent us via email (the one you used on your slide).
ReplyDeleteLove you lots!
Aunt Debbie
Great thought, Shawna! Or should I say Jeff? Sometimes, though, I feel the exact opposite. It seems like it doesn't take much to hear his voice when I'm hurting, but yet when things are going well, it takes a major ordeal for me to even listen for him (probably my Type A, control freak personality not needing any help with anything). Either way, I guess we need to make more of an effort to listen so he doesn't have to shout.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and Nathan are having a wonderful, relaxing week! It was so good to see you and visit with you last night. It's nice to share pregnancy experiences with someone. :)