His Father’s Voice

January 6, 2011 By
Rob, Sawyer, and Cadence model their new hats. Christmas Day, 2010
Tuning In
New Years’ Day brought my daughter, Elaine, her husband, Rob, and our newest grandson, Sawyer, for an afternoon visit.
At seven weeks of age, Sawyer has new tricks to show off each time we see him. As I sat on the sofa, chatting with his parents and Rich, I held him, studying his latest accomplishments and drifting on the peaceful joy that flows when I hold a newborn.
Rob added something to our conversation and Sawyer squirmed in my arms. “He’s getting strong!” I exclaimed. Elaine smiled and nodded.
A few minutes later, Rob spoke again, and Sawyer squirmed again–he wriggled to his left. After a third round of Rob-speaks-Sawyer-wiggles-to-his-left, I realized that Sawyer wasn’t simply indulging in random baby calisthenics.
No, my brilliant and precocious grandson was turning towards his father’s voice.

I’m reasonably certain that he wasn’t following the fine points of our discussion. I’m pretty sure the meaning of our words is not yet within his understanding.

But he pays attention to his father’s voice. That’s remarkable.
Taking my cue from a little baby boy, I’ve set a goal for myself.
I will attend to my Father’s voice. I will rest quietly enough to hear His still, small voice.

11 And He said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
1 Kings 19:11-12 (KJV)

19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)

Filed Under: 1 Kings 19, baby, change, clarity, Deuteronomy 30, faith, family, God's omnipotence, grandchildren, joy, listen, obedience, peace, quiet