Voices

(For my daughter, Kate, on her 32nd birthday)

“God speaks in a whisper,”

a friend said recently.

“And if you don’t hear it,

he’ll raise his voice!”

Our ears

are unaccustomed

to whispers.

Even a raised voice

is often ignored

in the din

of our daily lives.

But eventually—

if we’re lucky,

or receptive,

or helpless enough—

we will hear the words

meant for no other.

In our naiveté,

we sometimes approach God

as a destination

rather than as a direction—

the soft voice

ever reminding us

of the peace,

the love,

and the joy

within.

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath.

Listen…

What do you hear?

(St. Petersburg, FL)