Hearing God - Amazing!

It is my custom when walking along the canal bank into Mirfield to use the time for prayer. But I'm very conscious that, although I do a lot of talking to God, I'm not so good at listening. So, this time I asked that, on my return walk, I might not only listen but that I would also hear God talking to me.

And so, on my return, I tried to shut out every wayward thought and keep my mind clear of everything.

Then, I heard a bird's beautiful song - but I couldn't see it, and God said, "You can't see me but you can hear me."

Then I heard a fish leap out of the water - but couldn't see it. I looked and looked but just saw the bubbles showing where the fish had been and God said, "You can't see me, but I'm all around you."

Then I saw a beautiful, big, orange dragonfly flying silently by and God said, "When you can't hear me you can see my presence in all around you."

And then I became aware of people, boats, dogs, noise all around me and realised that God had answered my prayer.

But that was not the only time when God spoke to me. The following week as I again walked along the canal I spotted a rat swimming in the river (the 1st one I had seen in 13 years living here) so graceful and sleek and God said "Even the ugly can be made beautiful by God."
I have just enjoyed 3 days of walking on the North Yorkshire Moors and God has spoken to me on each day. I was captivated by the simple scene of a farm pond, in which I saw reflected the sky and grasses and again God spoke, "As 'the water reflects the beauty and blue of the sky and the reeds, so you too can reflect my love."

The following day we walked across the moorland and were privileged to not only see but to watch 2 grouse from very close range for a good 10 minutes. And God said, "Take time each day to stand and watch and enjoy my presence."

On the 3rd day we took a wrong path and, because of trees and hedgerows in the way, I missed the sight of a fighter jet (which I am fascinated by!) soaring across the sky. And God spoke again and said, "Follow my paths and you will see the delights I have for you. Take the wrong path or hesitate and you will miss them."

I know now that God speaks and I praise and thank Him.
Sue Hollands