The CricketThe Cricket
A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs
were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket." His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!" "No, I'm sure of it," the
Native American said, "I heard a cricket." "That's crazy," said the friend.
The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across
the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He
looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a
small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.
"That's incredible," said his friend "You must have superhuman ears!" "No,"
said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all
depends on what you're listening for." "But that can't be!" said the
friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise." "Yes, it is, it
depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you." He
reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them
on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still
blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and
look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs. "See
what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's important
to you."
What's important to you? What do you listen for? Some people say that
there is no God, and that He never speaks to us anymore. But perhaps they
can't see or hear Him because they aren't listening for Him. They are
living for themselves, not for God. If you are in tune with God, you will be
able to notice Him at work in your life and in the world. And you'll be
able to hear Him when He speaks.
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
John 10:27-28