Through the years I have probably filled several journal pages being thankful for the ability to hear. I am learning also to be thankful for some of the things I do not hear. Here are some examples of things I am thankful I do not hear.

    I am thankful I do not hear all the negative things said, thought, and felt about my writing, preaching, and teaching. Even a single comment can send me into a tailspin of questioning and self-doubt.

    I am thankful I do not hear all the things the “other drivers” have to say about my driving. Reading lips is quite sufficient.

    I am thankful I do not hear all the things my children say about me, especially after they have been disciplined. The look in their eyes says plenty.

    I am thankful I do not hear more vulgarities and foul language than what I do. Standing in line for a cup of coffee can provide me with language I never cared to hear.

    I am thankful I do not hear all the times people make fun of me. I have heard enough to understand the pain it can cause, and remind me to be thoughtful of others.

I am thankful I do not hear...

    I am thankful I do not hear any more compliments that I hear. One or two can inflate my ego to a dangerous level.

    I am thankful I do not hear all the cries for help that my Father hears. He knows how much I can handle and thankfully limits the number that I hear.

    I am thankful I do not hear any more noise than what I do hear. I hear enough to make me appreciate a quiet morning.

    I am thankful I do not hear more long periods of silence from the Lord than I do. Short periods of silence are enough to frighten me and cause me to question my relationship with Him.

    I am thankful I do not hear the Lord condemn me, reject me, or tell me He no longer loves me. He knows I could not handle those words.

    Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” He wants us to listen. But, He also knows we cannot bear to hear all the sounds that He hears. He knows that for us, some things are better left unheard. He hears it all.

    I’m thankful I don’t hear what he has determined I don’t need to hear!

© 2001, Tom Norvell. Used by permission. A Norvell Note is a weekly email message from Tom Norvell. Check it out!

Title: "Better Left Unheard"
Author: Tom Norvell
Publication Date: August 2, 2001

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