Casandra Martin

Her perspective convicted me. I saw Jesus’ words in a new light, and it caused me to stop and look at my own heart. As you read her words, listen carefully. Wait for the echo of God’s voice.

“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only for bread – but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing – but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks – but homeless because of rejection.” – Mother Teresa

She is known for her life of service. Mother Teresa has given herself to taking care of the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. Yet, it is not her actions as much as it is her perspective that forces me to pause. She serves because of the way that she sees others. She doesn’t just see their physical needs. She understands that physical needs are often just shadows of the deep needs of the heart.

Sometimes it is easier to give a sack of groceries than it is to embrace someone and give them time and attention. Giving away a bag of clothes my children have outgrown is good, but teaching them to treat everyone with respect, honor, consideration, and kindness is better. The silent cries of the homeless should pierce us. How many people do we meet each day who feel unwelcome, unloved, and unseen even though they live in our neighborhoods, work at the next desk, or sit on the same pew?

My Jesus Resolution today is to see others differently. Too many times I look at others and all I see is how they can serve me. Are they helping me get what I want or are they in my way? Today I am going to pray for new eyes. Eyes that help me see the heart. Eyes that help me see each person I meet like God sees them. Eyes that catch the opportunities that are mine to bestow grace, extend love, offer kindness, and serve with humility and gratitude. Eyes that look like Jesus’ eyes.

I saw it on a store sign as I was driving down the road. “God is listening. Are you speaking?” It is an interesting thought. We talk to so many people. We share our hearts with friends, colleagues, family members, and strangers. People will talk about the most intimate parts of their lives on the radio or television. The internet is filled with startlingly transparent snapshots of people’s hearts, minds, and actions. I am always amazed at the personal details that someone will reveal to casual acquaintances.

We all have a need to be heard. We ache to be known and to know that someone is listening and that someone cares. The sign on the store was a reminder that God is always ready to listen. Prayer is the avenue that takes us into His presence and allows us to pour out our hearts and find peace in being fully known.

But I will be honest. The sign struck me as a little odd. It reads backwards to me. “God is speaking. Are you listening?” seems like a more needed truth in our busy, self-focused society.

Soren Kierkegaard once said, “A man prayed, and at first he thought that prayer was talking. But he became more and more quiet until in the end he realized that prayer is listening.”

God is speaking today. He is calling your name, whispering to your heart, and wooing your soul. He speaks through the wind, the sunshine, the mountains, and the canopy of beauty He has placed all around us. He speaks through His Word, His church, and His people. He speaks through our circumstances, our challenges, and our sweet moments of joy. Each word is an invitation, a promise, and an offer to be different tomorrow than we are today. Come to Me. Be Mine. Walk with Me. Surrender your heart. Let me transform you. Jesus is the answer.

My Jesus Resolution today is to listen. I am going to be quiet and listen for God’s voice. I am going to let Him fill me with His words, infuse me with His peace, and cover me with His presence. I am thankful God listens to me. I am grateful that His heart bends close to mine and looks beyond my words to my deepest desires, hardest heartaches, and even my secret shame. The best answer to the noise that fills my soul, though, is not to talk louder. It is found in listening deeper.