Distorted Hearing

An uninvited guest has found it’s way into our home.

Sickness.

First there was Kobe - falling asleep during recess of all things!  He had a fever and so it began. 

There were enough phone calls from the school informing me of sick kiddos to have me wondering if they’d put me on speed dial.

Tyler was next – fever as well and then it was Corey (he’s been fighting it since last Wednesday).  In the middle of it all, my ear began to ache.  So, I did what most busy mommy’s do. 

I ignored it.

After several days, the pain had intensified.  I popped a Tylonel and went to make lunch (the kids were all home and hungry – snow day).  By the time the dishes were cleared away, I couldn’t ignore the pain any longer.

When all was said (I’ll leave it mostly unsaid) and done, my eardrum had ruptured. 

The pain was intense. 

Death seemed a more pleasant option.  Or even taxes.

But neither came to my rescue, so I writhed in pain until a welcome popping noise in my head ushered in the relieving crackle of all manner of drainage.

Yum.

Needless to say, my hearing has been found wanting since then.  It’s strange.  The sound of clothes tumbling in the dryer three rooms away is easier to hear than the voice of my husband sitting next to me.

I’m healing though, and hopefully soon, this will all be a distant memory. 

Last Sunday, as I stood in worship, God spoke to me.  He showed me how having distorted hearing can be a reflection of how we view life.  There are many noises calling out to us in this world, seeking to turn our head, begging for our attention.  

I thought about the things that have been weighing heavily on my mind lately… and realized how mindless they were.  Just distracting noises.  Mindless chatter that had proven victorious in keeping me from hearing the one Voice that truly matters.

The challenge is to ignore the static in the background and to listen more intently to the voice of He Who gives meaning and direction to this life. 

And it’s His words that bring life, courage and peace.

A hostile world!

I call to God,

I cry to God to help me.

From His palace He hears my call;

my cry brings me right into His presence—

a private audience!

Psalm 18

You have made known to me the path of life;

You will fill me with joy in Your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16