Can you hear the still small voice?

“The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” James 5:7b-8

The webcam I used in my office stopped working about a year ago, so I have been using my cell phone. In order to get the proper angle on my phone camera I have a very high-tech, state-of-the art Acme all-purpose cell phone holder hack: a Hormel Chili can stacked on top of a Chicken of the Sea can, topped with a small piece of Styrofoam on which sits my phone charger, where I prop my phone. It works!

Sometimes at night when I am “winding down,” I troll web cameras on the internet and look at videos of people showing off their “web set up” at their desks. A few times I have gone to Amazon and put a web camera in my shopping cart, but I take out before I close the site. There are a lot of reasons why I have not purchased a new web cam; you can guess a couple of them. What may not be an immediate and obvious result of this situation, is the opportunity for prayer and reflection that is present.

Patience, peace, and relinquishment are not overrated virtues, but they are not popular in cases like this. There is a need (even a want) and justification to buy the camera, but there is also a less than perfect work-around that satisfies the need (if not the want). If I live in the time and space of the workaround I will have to deal with the pressure and emotion of the want side of the equation. This where I find God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Where are you struggling with disappointment and the disquietude of a satisfied need but unrequited want? Instead of moving quickly past that uncomfortable place or slogging through it in desperation, ask God to help quiet your inner cry so that you can hear the Holy Spirit’s still small voice. Every heartache, every pain is an opportunity to turn and receive from God, comfort, and consolation. These are also opportunities to better understand ourselves and grow in likeness of Christ Jesus.

I am sure that one day I will get a webcam, and when I do, I will be grateful both for the convenience of new tech and for the blessing of a new perspective, for I know that the blessing will far outlast the tech. (That, and I will have salmon and chili for lunch!)   

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall I do without a new webcam?’ … But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”  Matthew 6:31a, 33 mod.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Bill+