God speaks to us. Now, you may be thinking, “God has never told me anything.” Well, have you ever gotten a hug from someone when you really needed it? Have you ever seen a sunrise that took your breath away? Have you ever witnessed someone go out of their way for the sake of another? If some memories are coming back maybe God really has spoken to you.
You must be pretty special.
I mean, God is God! He created the entire universe. Pause here and really take that in. The God who created the universe has spoken to you! Countless times when you think about it. He loves you that much. He cares for you, personally, individually, right now, exactly who you are, where you are at this very moment in time. No exceptions. You are that special to God. So many times I have felt caught up in my tasks and overwhelmed with plans and to-do lists and post-it notes filled with reminders. It is often in those moments God finds a way to remind me of his love and to remind me of the bigger picture. Because in the grand scheme of things what does my to-do list really matter? God cares about us so he finds a way to pull us out of our stressful moments and reminds us of these truths.
I was once rushing around doing last minute things and getting ready for school when my mom told me to come to the back door because the sunrise was so beautiful. I appreciated her thought but my thought was, I do not have time to come look at the sunrise. I went over quickly so I could go on to my next thing. When I saw the sky my jaw dropped and I felt so full of joy. I stepped outside with my mom and my brother and felt the cool air on my cheeks. My anxiety melted away and my heart felt full and peaceful and I stared at a truly glorious sunrise. God cares about me and this is an example of how he takes care of me. The same goes for you. So, where do you feel close to God? In what special way has he chosen to show you his grand love? He doesn’t speak like a human because he’s not. He is God. And God’s form of communication goes way beyond words. He speaks to us through his magnificent creation, through music, through experience, and through the people he puts in our lives. God speaks to us.
So if God speaks to us, he must have a reason – which means we should listen. God loves us, and he wants to communicate with us, but hearing him requires intentional listening on our part. When you interact with the world, try and see it through God’s eyes. Take the time to literally stop and smell the roses, recognize the wonder and magnificence of the world around you. You see wonderful things every day. A tree lives and grows and produces food that nourishes our bodies when we eat it. The sky is so vast it never ends and every time you look up the beautiful sky is filled with a unique array of colors, clouds, and stars. These grand expressions of God’s love are always there but we have to notice their wonder and beauty. We have to notice these things as works of God in order to hear his voice. Besides just nature, think of people! Every day you witness love in some form or another. That is God! God may speak to you through some simple, heartwarming act of kindness. But you have to stop and notice its splendor, notice who is behind all these beautiful works.
Now What?
Alright so God speaks to us, we listen, but why? Why is it so important to hear God’s words to us? Because, it changes us! When we hear God’s voice and listen to his call, we respond by growing closer to him, and becoming more like him. When we listen, God is able to shape our hearts, minds, and souls. Our relationship with God grows, and we slowly become more and more faithful. We are more loving to those around us. We are more joyful, regardless of our struggles. We are more trusting of God and his plan. Let God shape you. Strive to live, looking for God, and you will find him. God speaks to us! How wonderful! Let’s listen and let him shape us!
What an incredible God we serve. Thank you for speaking to us, God. And thank you for using this young voice to so articulately capture the worship you invite us into as you are shaping and working all things for your glory.
Thanks for pointing to faithfully to Jesus, Maggie! 🩵
This is so insightful and well put I am thankful that this young woman is in my life. A true blessing from God that is so needed in today’s chaotic world. I love you Maggie ❤️
So insightful and clearly explained. What a gift you are Maggie. Keep up the good work!
Wow, Maggie! This is a beautiful reminder of how important it is to allow ourselves to be interrupted… to anticipate a God surprise in these moments. I needed this today. Thank you for sharing your story and wisdom with us. I’m so proud of you!
Nice job Mags. We can all learn something from your message, even us old people.
Wonderfully stated Maggie! I know someone struggling right now & will share your thoughts. LYM
This is amazing insight! We all need to stop and think about God’s goodness to us! Love this!
God affirmed through this simple reflection my joy in listening to his still small voice.
Maggie, thank you for sharing these beautiful words! I feel like God is speaking to me through you. He is so good!
Thank you for the encouragement everyone! And thank you for the opportunity, Mrs. Taylor! I was so excited to share my writing!
Hey Maggie, will you be my spiritual director??? This was a wonderful reminder of who God wants me to be. Thank you!!!
Thank you for sharing, sweet Maggie! Insightful, encouraging and challenging! What a blessing to have been able to share this message! What a blessing to know you and have you teach me!
This is absolutely beautiful and spot on! May I share this link with Marian families in my next Parent Newsletter? Thank you for sharing your words with the Marian community! What a blessing for all of us!
Beautiful reflection Maggie! I often listen to the daily homily of father Larry Richards and he consistently hits your point-how much the God of the Universe loves us individually and we gotta focus on what God does for us, not what we are doing for God. Moira is lucky to have you as a friend!