Promptings

In my prayers one morning this week, I specifically asked that I’d recognise any subtle promptings or spiritual insights that day.

Arising from my knees, I made my to do list for the day and set off getting things done.

Late morning, instead of driving to visit my mum, I felt to take a 45-minute walk instead.

After a lovely visit with mum, I set off for home.

I felt to take a longer route home, a slight detour.

This route took me near the house of a dear old friend, who I hadn’t seen in a few years.

Approaching the house, I had a feeling to ring the bell, but I chose to ignore the thought.

At the front door, the thought came for the second time… “ring the bell” again, I chose to ignore the prompting.

About 5 metres after passing by the house, the prompting came the third time, much louder “Go back. Ring the bell.”

I stopped.

I turned around, walked back a few steps and rang the bell.

Once – No answer. Twice – No answer. On the third time, the door creaked open and there was my dear old friend….

“Paul” my friend said. “No, it’s Daryl” I replied.

I was ushered inside.

We visited for about an hour.

I listened intently and asked if there was anything I could do.

I returned the next afternoon with medications and listened again a while longer.

I know that spiritual promptings come.

We simply need to recognise them, listen intently and have faith to take action.

In one of their many “Don’t Miss This” series, David Butler and Emily Freeman call these moments “Compassionate Detours.”

Reviewing Matthew Chapter 9 they considered a day in the life of Jesus Christ.

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them.” – Matthew 9:38.

On several occasions, He stopped and ministered, compassionately to the one.

Why not look out for a compassionate detour today…

Stop long enough to heed and listen to the promptings – that always come.

In the busyness of your complex life, do you notice the needs of others?