Just Listen....

This weekend God gave me a revelation, that was really cool. Lately I have been trying to remember things that my friends tell me, or that they do. Like for instance if one of my friends likes a certain dessert, or they have a favorite color, or if they talk to me about something specific, or if they are praying for something, maybe they would like me to keep them accountable to something. Its always been hard for me to stay on the same page sometimes, and I know I cant always remember everything. I do think that there is a difference between truly caring, and simply just not remembering. Last week there were a few instances were this happened to me, and I thought about scripture.

James 1:19 (NLT) 
    My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

God reminded me of when I was younger and I would ride my bike down this huge hill. I would always have to pedal to get up the huge hill, or I would walk my bike up. It always took work at the beginning. When I would reach the top I would have to start my self off but the hill was so big I would only have to pedal for a few seconds, and then I would sit on the seat and enjoy the ride. In our relationship with God, we always have to work, and the work is important. THe choice we make to pursue him is crucial. But we cant forget to sit down and listen and trust that the bike will get us farther than before. For a couple of years I would get into a daily routine of reading God's word, and praying, but there were too many days when I would forget to listen. I remember that the pedaling was always less than the half of it. To be honest if it took more work, than it was fun I wouldnt have done it. God speaks to us through the pedaling, thorough reading his word, and being a servant, but we cant forget about the necessary quiet times. Its the same in our friendships. If we get so busy with just hanging out, and just having fun and we never really get to know the people around us, than how can reach them effectively? Of course we can get to know them while we are having fun, but we need to have some quiet time, or else we wont know their heart.