Speak, Lord

"Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening.” ~ 1 Samuel 3

My day started by facilitating a retreat for a church group. We used this reading from the day’s lectionary as our jumping off point. We are called to serve the Lord. We may not always hear that call the first time—it may take three times before it gets figured out. We might need some help from an older, wiser person, as Samuel needed Eli. Discerning a call is not a solo sport but is often best done in community.

We need both Elis and Samuels in our communities to survive. We need those who have spent years serving and now dim-eyed are in need of a rest but still able to guide and nurture. We need those who are young and energetic and yet may not fully know the Lord yet.

Sometimes we are like Eli—weary and achy on the journey—but still able to listen and discern. Sometimes we are like Samuel—unable to discern by ourselves what is happening but with a heart that gets up every time and says, “Here I am.”

The other important point is that God did not stop calling after the first or second time. God is ever patient. He calls each of us and will not stop until we—or someone else on our behalf—hears. God has a plan for us and that is the hope presented today—that we can figure it out.

Peace,

Suzanne