SPEAK: Five Minute Friday

This post comes to you from the once-four-year-old flower girl who chatted her way down the aisle with the handsome ring bearer—totally forgetting to drop the rose petals.

The same little girl who, as a first grader, received her very first report card: all As—except for a B in conduct. Talks too much. She also received very clear instructions from her parents that that would never happen again!

If you have a suspicion that (five decades later) the now grown woman has had a lifelong love-hate relationship with her mouth, you would be correct.

So when I saw the word prompt for today’s Five Minute Friday—SPEAK—my mind virtually exploded in a million different directions. When I sit down to free-write for five minutes on this word, what will happen? Will my thoughts show maturity . . . or will they spew thoughtless (but no longer cute) like the little flower girl?

Enis Yavuz

START

As I hit the timer, the wind began to blow and the raindrops started. I didn’t know they were coming . . .

I did instinctively what I’ve done a lot lately: I closed my eyes and breathed in the stillness. The peaceful.

I listened as God began speaking through the quiet.

I’ve heard his voice in the lowing of cattle, the “swish” of blowing grasses, the rumble of bull frogs.

This morning I hear his voice as the leaves blow quietly overhead and the rain drops quietly on the metal roof.

His voice speaks loudly in the quiet; clearly in the cloudy.

In the coo of a newborn, the laughter of a free-spirited toddler, the longing of a teenager, the eyes of an adult child.

Listen.

Listen well.

Word of God, speak…

STOP

That’s not at all what I thought I’d be writing the second I hit “start” on my timer, but I’m going to trust it’s exactly what I—perhaps we—need to hear.

When it’s “bottom line” time, I need to listen.

Only then will I know when to keep my mouth shut or when to speak up. When to speak Truth or pray for wisdom. When to love quietly or with a voice that condemns.

Only after I listen to the voice of the One who sees the big picture, knows a situation’s every detail, loves without prejudice.

Only after I listen . . . will I understand perfect love.

Only after I listen . . . can I be used to love others as He loves me.

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