Were You talkin’ to ME, God???
How many times have you asked yourself, or rather God, that question? More importantly, have you ever really listened for His answer? Or were you, like me - too busy answering the question myself to even hear what God had to say??? I’m here to tell you that no matter how much we talk over, or around Him, He will always find a way to be heard…and usually when you least expect it! Three years ago, while working a flight, I was alone in the galley cleaning up after a service. No one was standing near me; I was contentedly going about my tasks, thinking of nothing in particular when I heard a voice….”Gail, it’s time to go….”- as the voice wasn’t mine (and yes, I do admittedly talk to myself), I naturally turned around to see who was talking to me. Well, no one was there! I looked out of the galley thinking a customer had spoken while walking by…all were seated. I thought ‘that was odd…’ and continued with the task at hand (alone). A few moments later, a voice said “Gail, it’s time to go…” except this time it was my own voice that I heard…and my mouth was closed! Well, I must say that though startled, I was more perplexed than anything. Within moments, I thought to myself, was that God? – because it sure wasn’t me talking and I definitely heard me talking! Of course not, Gail…you’ve never really heard God before…so why now and how silly are you… Well, my day and my flight continued and there were no more voices. I thought of the incident occasionally during the day, but always thinking only – ‘how weird was that!!!’
When I got home that evening, I called Mom and told her what had happened. The first voice not being mine, and the second one definitely my own voice….I laughingly said to her “do you think it was God talking to me?” Mom didn’t hesitate….”yes, Gail, I do think it was God….and it’s been time for you to go…!” As I tried to explain again the different voices, Mom simply said, “well, when it wasn’t your own voice, you didn’t listen, so why not speak to you in a voice that will get your attention? Seems to me that you noticed when you heard yourself!” We talked a while longer, and she told me to pray and listen for what to do next. Life went on for several months after that, with no more word from God and me working as I had been and doing the best that I could as a divorced parent with no help (or so I thought). Many times I thought, ‘were You talking to ME, God?’….but I heard nothing. When the unexpected opportunity came to take a long term leave from work, unsure of what to do, I spoke with Fr. Gordon….'cause God wasn’t answering me! After hearing the details, Fr. said to me…”Gail, sometimes no answer is the only answer that’s necessary….God spoke to you – what else does he need to say??” Well, it’s no secret that I’m not the brightest bulb in the pack….but I do have some wattage! It took awhile, but I saw that, indeed, there wasn’t anything more to say…..it was, in fact, time to go!
It’s been 2 years now, since I left my career of 28 yrs with Delta Air Lines to work towards earning my teaching certificate for middle school science. I don’t recall a time in my life when I could say that I know that I know that I know this is what I’m supposed to do. But now I do know, unequivocally and without question that this is what I’m supposed to do! This is one of the greatest challenges that I’ve taken on….while being one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done….yet, I am amazed everyday at the absolute passion (and sometimes frustration), that I have for working with our Title 1 youth!
I think of my time with Delta, and truly miss my co-worker/friends. I also greatly miss the salary!! Always, the friends are with me…., and in time (and with patience), I’ll again earn a commanding income….but the joy in watching my students grow academically and emotionally (and hoping that some will catch up sooner rather than later)….is worth so much more!
So, was God talkin’ to Me?? He sure was….and am I glad that I listened!! I am where I’m supposed to be – a loving and passionate mom and teacher!!!
What’s God sayin’ to you? Are you listening….???
Faith is a journey…..
Gail
Stories of God's grace and inspiration by Church of the Incarnation members
