Speechless

Wednesday I came down with a cough I could not shake--you know that kind that gets you in a coughing fit and keeps you up at night? Ugh. Thankfully, I had no other symptoms, but it was painful. I felt like I had shards of glass lodged in the back of my throat. I spent much of Thursday silent or coughing.

Because I felt good otherwise, I accompanied the rest of my family on all their adventures--to the beach on Isle of Palms, to tour an old fort on Sullivan's Island, to an ice cream parlor and on a jaunt to downtown Charleston.

I was there in mind, body and spirit--just not in voice. It was interesting what a hard time my children and husband had relating to me. At one point my husband pulled me aside, concerned that I was upset about something. I assured him I was fine, but for my throat. As I pondered it more, I realized I did feel left out and lonely. Even though I was there and apart of things all day long, the inability to communicate left me feeling very separate.

It was an interesting picture of how vitally important communication is to people. I thought about what a blessing it is to love and serve an Almighty God who allows us to commune with Him.

He speaks to us through His Word (the Bible), wise teachers/friends/counselors, and in our hearts as we pray and seek Him. He allows us to talk back through prayer. He listens to us. He hears us. He doesn't just 'tolerate' our prayers, we are exhorted throughout the New Testament to pray 'without ceasing' and about all kinds of things from worries, to fears, worship, praise, confession, intercession...whatever is going on.

I don't know about you, but I think I really take that for granted. He is God. He has a plan. He doesn't have to hear us. But, truly, intimacy would not be possible without that ability to communicate.

Thank you, precious Lord, that you do not treat us as children who are to 'be seen not heard.' Thank you for knowing us intimately and for allowing--even inviting--us to engage in two-way communication with You. What a gift!

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. I John 5:14 (NIV)