We landed at Seattle’s SeaTac airport, having flown in from Florida. We’ve been to the Sunshine State numerous times, mainly seeing family while enjoying theme parks and other attractions thrown in for good measure. This time Florida’s weather was cold and wet. Could have had that at home in the Pacific Northwest. So, we’re glad to land safe and sound. Home again. Wet and cold.

A family, that appeared to be Eastern European, was also in a van taking us to where our cars were parked. My ears perked up as they spoke to each other. I had taken the Russian language at a local community college years before for no particular reason other than to learn another language. I wanted to hear if I recognized any of their words, which I did.

Yes, they spoke Russian. I wanted to say something in their language before we drove off. Putting our luggage into our car, I waved to the husband and said loudly ‘Do svidaniya’, ‘goodbye’ in Russian. My, oh my, the smile on his face.

Hearing your own language when unexpected is precious. A bit of home far from home. Also, it was uttered by an obvious American whose inflection probably needed lots more work yet who bothered to connect with a stranger using their mother tongue.

This experience makes me think of what Jesus says in John 10–‘I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd’ (vs.14, 16).

His voice. In our hearing. In His presence. With complete understanding. One flock that’s eager to hear from its Shepherd. Even better, our Lord’s voice. Won’t that be something? What we’ve prayed for. What we’d hoped to catch. His voice. His say. Any tidbit from His mouth. Hanging onto His every word. That will be heaven for me.

But why wait? Don’t put off hearing from Him right where you are. Really? Of course. You know. Echoes of Paradise’s Savior can be heard from your Bible. His voice 24/7, 365. Even during this leap year!

Lend your ear and then watch the smile on His face!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all you want to say to me today in your Word. Amen.