It's chilling, to be quite honest. We love living in the country for many reasons. Occasionally, however, there are experiences that aren't always easy to handle. Snakes and coyotes are my least favorite confrontations, so far. But there's something about hearing a screech owl nearby that sends chills through me.
I'm not referring to the usual "hoot" of a common owl. What we have heard recently is a piercing call that is alarming, eerie and distinct. I realize it's an owl...but the sound is uncanny and unpleasant to hear night after night. I am sure there are reasons for its call, but it certainly captures our attention.
I began thinking. Perhaps there are other sounds we don't enjoy hearing, either. Sometimes we deliberately ignore the cries of people who are hurting, searching, struggling or lost. Perhaps it would require leaving our comfort zones to acknowledge and and assist someone with a need. Maybe we feel that it is up to someone else to assist them. Maybe we simply don't know what to do or say. Maybe we find it challenging to listen to someone else because we are working much too hard to ignore our own pain.
Obviously, there are situations that require and deserve more specialized care and treatment. However, I wonder what difference it would make if we showed more compassion, concern and commitment to hurting hearts, wounded lives and struggling souls. I wonder what continued prayers, listening ears, tender hearts and amazing love would do in this heartbroken world. May we never forget that the piercing sound of shattered lives...bring opportunities to share His life-changing love and hope.<3~thl
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6: 2
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