Listen for God speaks

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 Today is the presentation of the Lord. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus go to the temple to purify Mary. Yet this is the first time that Jesus goes to the temple. While there the little family encounters two people: Simeon and Anna. Both people had been waiting to see the salvation and redemption of Israel. Upon seeing Jesus, they realize who and what this baby will do. They told the parents. Seeing someone’s potential is not always easy. Seeing a person as God sees them can be difficult. Both Simeon and Anna had spent a good portion of their lives at the temple and in prayer. As I teach, my goal is to help students realize their potential and be who God created them to be. No, it is not always easy. Yes, I spend a great deal of time in prayer so I can see them through God’s eyes. Mary and Joseph did as was the custom. They were open to hearing the words of Simeon and Anna. Simeon and Anna were strangers to the family, yet Mary and Joseph listened and kept the words of the strangers and kept them close. As we go through our day, we need to be open to the words of the people around us, even strangers. A student asked me how we know words are from God and not from Satan. If you know God, you will hear his voice. God would never be negative or hurtful. God’s words might be warnings about the path you are on, or they might rejoice in what you are doing. Today, listen, for God speaks to us on the path….

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