I see it all the time… People with earbuds or headphones over their ears, or a cellphone blaring music, as they take a walk in God’s beautiful creation… If they’d remove the ear buds or turn off the cellphone music they’d hear the beautiful chirping of birds, the rustle of the breeze, the gurgling of a brook, or waves slapping the shore or dashing against the rocks (and many other wonderful sounds of nature. My advice? Turn of the music – enjoy the wonderful sounds of nature!
Now, I have another reason for suggesting this as well… Many of you know that I’m a runner. One day, a number of years ago, I decided to do a run on a frontage road along the freeway here in Waxahachie, TX. Had the headphones on listening to worship music… A car came along behind me – I didn’t hear it because of the headphones and it came so close it actually brushed my leg… Scared me good!!! Consequently I NEVER wear headphones, earbuds, or listen to music on my cellphone anymore when I’m running! I prefer the sounds of nature – God sounds, if you please!
What prompted these thoughts today? The words of the following Psalm I read during my time of “coffee with the Lord” this morning…
“Praise the Lord!
“Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. LET THEM PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD, FOR AT HIS COMMAND THEY WERE CREATED, AND HE ESTABLISHED THEM FOR EVER AND EVER— he issued a decree that will never pass away.
“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds…
“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens…
“Praise the Lord!” (From Psalm 148 NIV)
So if you see me running or walking a nature trail… No headphones for me, no earbuds – I won’t have my cellphone playing music… I’ll be enjoying the wonderful sounds of nature – sounds generated by my Creator God! Praise the Lord!!!
Coffee With The Lord 