can you hear me now?

Watching the 5-year-old determinedly run around clutching a hockey stick (yesterday) and pull on soccer socks (this morning) for "Pee Wee Sports Camp" is leaving me a little short on time this week, so apologies for the likely dearth in postings.

That said, I had a lovely telephone chat with a friend yesterday afternoon. Between updates on children and catching up on recent events, the topic of the conversation turned toward "hearing" God. We know we are meant to be in communication with God. We seek God's will for our lives. But how do we know when we're hearing it? Is it the obstacle put in our way? Is it the continuing desire in the face of obstacles? Is God a voice from the ether? A word from another? A quiet assurance? A crashing sign from above a la one of my favorite "B.C." cartoons? (See below.) I suspect the answer is "all of the above." Not quite as clear-cut as two über-type-A personalities would prefer!

Life in general is not as clear-cut as über-type-A personalities would prefer. In the end, that is the beauty of it. Absolute knowledge would destroy the mysteries that provide sudden bursts of joy and the surprises that bring us into new worlds beyond those we could have contemplated. That said, I'm always up for advice and the reflections of personal experience regarding hearing the voice of God. Any thoughts on the subject, blessed readers? (Assuming, of course, there are any. Perhaps this is just my crafty way of seeing if anyone actually looks at this thing.)