Learning to Listen

The second verse of Amy Grant's song, "Angels Watching Over Me," reminds us that God has given His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways - even when we are not aware they are there. Amy sings, "God only knows the times my life was threatened just today. A reckless car ran out of gas before it ran my way. Near misses all around me, accidents unknown, Though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home. But I know they're all around me all day and through the night. When the enemy is closing in, I know sometimes they fight To keep my fight from falling, I'll never turn away. If you're asking what's protecting me then you're gonna hear me say:" Angels Watching Over Me . . . ."

Most of us want to SEE before we believe that God's angels are there. Amy's song reminds us that they are there - in the dark places, in the secret places, in the "coincidental" happenings. Pause for a moment and reflect on the seemingly small incidents in your life. I'll share one from my own book of memories to jog your mind.

I was returning home from a visit to my daughter in Knoxville, Tennessee. Approximately forty miles from home, I was hot and tired from the drive and long weekend. To break up the drive and cool off a bit, I decided to stop at the Dairy Queen for refreshment. I had enough time to relax a little bit before my evening teaching stint began. A thought passed through my mind: "Wait until you get to Ellijay to get your ice cream cone." I brushed it aside, and turned into the Dairy Queen in Chatsworth, a small town on the north side of Fort Mountain. Another thought persisted, "You'll be sorry you didn't wait. You won't get a chance to rest before you have to go to work."

I ignored it. I had plenty of time! My air conditioner wasn't working very well (needed freon), and I wanted that ice cream!

As I turned into the DQ driveway, I noticed a couple of big dump trucks with distinctive markings on them. They were from Fannin, a county just north of Ellijay. I groaned, figuring I would get behind them later on. But nothing could keep me from that ice cream cone dipped in chocolate!!

There are two roads that lead to Ellijay from Chatsworth: One over Fort Mountain, the other around the mountain. I usually take the road around the mountain - a very scenic drive that is not so curvy and steep. As I drove through the small town, a thought passed through my mind, "You should go over the mountain today." I shrugged off the voice and kept traveling down the highway, passing the road that leads across the mountain. My mind was set: I would take the easier route to Ellijay.

The road around the mountain has some steep, impassable, sections with blind driveways and one must drive with extra caution. Just as I crossed the county line - the worst of these places - the traffic was at a standstill. I could see one of the big dump trucks from Fannin County, a sheriff's car, and a mobile home tilted sideways in the road, making it impossible to pass. I banged the steering wheel, with both hands, irritated at myself, the heat, the traffic jam, and jumped out of the car, and walked up the hill to talk to the deputy sheriff.

"How long will we be here?" I asked him.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Don't know, Mam. Your guess is as good as mine."

From this vantage point I could see what had happened: the driver of the truck pulling the mobile home had misjudged his distance and had backed the mobile home into a ditch, blocking all lanes of traffic. It looked as though we would be held up for a long time. Not a pleasant prospect since it was ninety five degrees in the shade!

"Is there another way to Ellijay?" I asked hopefully, knowing the answer was not one I would enjoy.

"Sure," he said. "You can go back to Chatsworth and cross the mountain."

"I told you to go over the mountain," the thought in my mind whispered as I walked back to my car. I looked at the dump truck sitting there, motor off, the driver with his head lying back against the seat. The other dump truck was nowhere in sight. If I hadn't stopped for refreshment, I would have been in front of both the trucks. I should have listened to the voice long before now. But I had ignored it.

"Near misses all around me . . . ." Amy's song rang through my mind. God was trying to tell me an easier way. If only I had listened! No, it wasn't a life-threatening situation this time. However, it could have been. Would I have listened?

I encourage you to look for God in the small things. Learn from your mistakes (and mine!). Don't be too busy, or too set in your ways to change your course of action. God cares for you and wants to help you. That's why He has given his angels "charge over you." Listen. LISTEN! L I S T E N!

About the Author:
Linda Van Fleet is a freelance inspirational writer specializing in articles and features on Christian lifestyle topics, angels, Internet and social issues. Linda also owns and maintains several websites: Applecity.com, StoverMusic.com, TrueSoulMate.com, Ateau.com as well as content syndication site Awesome Web Essentials. and http://ibelieveinangels.com. Linda has 2 children and three grandchildren.

© 2005 Linda Van Fleet All rights reserved.

---

The Mirror of Truth

James 1:23-24Anyone who listens to the word but does not... Read More

You Can Influence Your Fortunes In Life

Natural laws exist that serve to maintain order in the... Read More

Mankinds Ten Worst Enemies: #2 Arrogance

According to H. G. Bosch, the newspaper cartoonist H. T.... Read More

Pioneering Insanity

"They're crazy!" That's what they're saying about us. The majority... Read More

God - A Thousand Words Wasted

Who is God? This question would sound awkward to 80%... Read More

The Hidden Cost of FREE

Are you always looking for bargains, especially something that you... Read More

Spirit Guide Communication ? Get the Answers You Seek

There are many energy beings available to assist us in... Read More

Life Gets Teejus, Don?t It?

Those five words are from a song that I remember... Read More

Are You Hooked to the Power Source?

As Christian's we are often very independent. We try to... Read More

Life Coaching and Beyond

In Corrogue the air is chill and the frost is... Read More

Working with God

Not a Failure!Those of you who are unemployed, or desire... Read More

Was There a Better Way?

Whenever, we have a task or project to carry out... Read More

See You At Midnight: Strategy For Terrific Speed To Greatness!

The gate of every year is the begining of that... Read More

Destroying Strongholds

Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, "Go, assemble... Read More

Path to Healing

It is within us to... Read More

The Power of Angels - An Interview With Rose Ann Schwab - Part 1

Rose Ann Schwab is an internationally and world renowned professional... Read More

KABBALAH OF LOVE: The Secret Power of Ego

The Key to True Love...Do you long for love?Most of... Read More

Shamanism

Is it really possible that Don Juan could command the... Read More

Youre Standing Between Two Clouds

On one side there is a dark cloud. It is... Read More

Mankinds Ten Worst Enemies: #3 Jealousy

Though closely akin and sometimes used synonymously, John Rawls distinguish... Read More

Sunday Dinner

No one appreciates mothers enough. In this life, that's a... Read More

Where is Your Brother?

The story of Cain and Abel stands very close to... Read More

Amazing Faith

Last week, I sat at my computer and watched the... Read More

How Does God See You?

How does God see you? Does He like what He... Read More

Is America Losing Its Religion?

Has America known its finest hour? Are we losing our... Read More

Choosing Peace, One Shift at a Time

It doesn't matter what magazine or newspaper you pick up... Read More

Building The Body of Christ

As a walked across the gym floor with perspiration coming... Read More

Coming to Jesus

2 Corinthians 6:17-6:17For God so loved the world, that He... Read More

10 Ways Your Dreams Can Enhance Your Life

The ultimate purpose of dreaming is to provide you with... Read More

Choose Life or Death

No one, not even God can make us choose the... Read More

Language of Dreams

Dreams take us not into ourselves, but out of ourselves.... Read More

Pray Off Your Debts in 10 Days or Less - A Short Case Study

Last Friday night, I met a Christian at a prayer... Read More

A Meaningful Relationship That is Not Yukky

Good morning Roy, good morning JosethWhat about me, were do... Read More