Wednesday, April 14, 2010

What are you listening to?

I was reminded of a story I heard many years ago when I was putting together my lesson for this Sunday. I could not find the author of the story but I still wanted to share it with you.
James 1:22-23
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
NIV


A Navajo Indian and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing. The sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly the Navajo said, "I hear a cricket." His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!" "No, I'm sure of it," the Navajo said, "I heard a cricket." "That's crazy," said the friend. The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket.

His friend was utterly amazed. "That's incredible," said his friend. “You must have super-human ears!" "No." said the Navajo, "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for.” “But that can't be!" said the friend. “I could never hear a cricket in this noise." Yes, it's true," came the reply. “It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you. " He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. Then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled onto the pavement was theirs. "See what I mean?" asked the Navajo. "It all depends on what's important to you."

What is important to you? What do you listen for?