Perhaps it is no coincidence that the words "silent" and "listen" are composed of the same six letters.
I walked, looking, listening, breathing. My thoughts slowed to match my pace, settling, resting, waiting, expectant, and finally, still. Silent. Some half noticed something surfaced in the pool of my reverie, and I tracked back for another look. There it was, a distinct, heart shaped melted spot, black and clear on the snowy road, surrounded by white slush and gravel. If I'd seen a photo of it (and why oh why, didn't I take one???) I'd have suspected it was doctored, concocted, photo shopped into existence. I wondered if some clever prankster waited around the corner. But there was no one. I walked the road alone as far as I could see.
And that perhaps, was my problem at the moment. "As far as I could see" was simultaneously not enough and too much. When I looked at my life, I wanted to see farther, yet what I was sure I knew had me weary and worried. And I couldn't truly see what was right in front of me because I wasn't truly looking. Who but the One who placed it there knew how much this lovely, lowly reminder of his love was needed by my own dark heart, gritty with daily life and stained with salt wash. The next swerving car or sure footed hoof print would have smudged and erased this unmistakable love note. It was just for me, just now, here. And I almost missed it.
"You're loved, child. See I put this here just for you, then I whispered your name, and called you here. You almost didn't hear, didn't come, didn't see, distracted as you were by the ceaseless noise of the immediate. I'm so glad you came. I'm especially fond of you."
Perhaps it is no coincidence that the words "silent" and "listen" are composed of the same six letters.
sound fragments from a winter walk at dusk
snow hush, boot slush.
carriage clatter, cardinal chatter.
hawk scream, murmuring stream.
Quiet listener heard God whisper.