James 1: 19-21
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because the human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent.

There is nothing better than being on the trail! Being in the midst of God’s creation and taking in all the attributes of nature is by far where I meet the Lord the most. I have always loved exploring since I was a young girl. I remember being at the Badlands in South Dakota and saw every rock formation as an exploration. I wanted to climb every rock I could! Not much has changed from the young girl excited to climb and explore at the Badlands! When I am on the trail, I think: “adventure awaits!” What is around the corner or on the next switchback there may be a view! Let’s go!

I always start hiking at a quick pace, but now that I have a hiking buddy or more, they remind me to pause! One of those hiking buddies is my friend’s dog Cooper. Coopers is always up for an adventure! While on the trail, he loves to find a rock to climb up on to see the view. I think it is because he is small and wants to see better. Cooper and I took a fall morning hike one morning. We of course were cruising along and then Cooper found a rock to climb onto. At this moment he reminded me to pause! We sat on that rock together and looked out over the valley together. Of course, it was time in silence with some Cooper kisses. However, this moment reminded me to slow down and listen! In this moment, the Lord was telling me He is present and my provider. He was there in my loss, is present in my transition, and will be there in the next season!

Adventures are amazing, but if we go too quick, we may miss the best moments! Slowness can refocus our minds and take in the memories we experience on the trail! This is similar to our relationship with the Lord, His Word, and friendships. James talks about being quick only in one aspect of a relationship, to listen and slow to speak, in other words listen first! Listening is a key factor in being with the Lord and hearing Him through His word. Listening, Shema, is before the greatest commandment. Deuteronomy 6:4-6. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” The Lord was telling Israel to pause and listen to the one true God, Yahweh! Listening is crucial in any relationship!

Our adventure with the Lord starts with us Listening to Him. Adventures are amazing, but if we do not listen, we will not know what He is saying or where He is guiding us! Listening is the key to success in a relationship, especially with the Lord our God!

Lord,
Our adventure awaits together for the next season in life, however let us see you in the past, present, and how you will be there in the future. Remind us to listen to you and be slow to speak. In other words, you call us to listen with both our ears and speak with one mouth! May we continue to hear you and your voice in our lives through your Word and our relationship with you. AMEN!