Years ago I loved the times of solitude I experienced while riding my chestnut mare, Cindy, through the nearby desert. Those were times to enjoy the silence & the sunshine, to relax & think. Ordinarily the rides were uneventful.
But one day while I was slowing Cindy's spirited gallop to descend the sandy slope of a dune, she suddenly stopped. Standing perfectly still, she held her ears poised to catch every sound. No amount of coaxing could encourage her to move.
Impatient with Cindy's apparent stubborness, I did not hear the sound she was hearing. I did not sense the rock-hardness of her tensed muscles beneath me.
Leaning forward ready to scold her, I finally understood. There before us, coiled & ready to strike, was the reason Cindy was not moving. I finally heard the distinctive, dry warning sounds of a desert rattlesnake.
I felt God's protective presence that day as we remained quiet & the danger passed. I was reminded then as I am today of how important it is to be aware of how God chooses to speak to us. God speaks to us in countless ways, but sometimes to hear God's warnings or guidance we must be still & listen. We are wise to listen for God's voice with patience. The choices we make, our well-being & occasionly our safety can depend upon how well we listen.
