Another Meeting for Worship

David sniffs.
Liam sneezes twice, loudly.
Carol coughs,
Ellen sighs.
The rev of cars as they stream past on the busy road.
The bang of the outside door because someone is always and
forever late.
The carillon from the Catholic church next door—its spires
rising to heaven while our ancient building sinks into the green
grass.
A trill of laughter as the children make origami cranes in the other
room.

We strain to listen for Spirit’s voice,
frown at latecomers, coughers, cars and sniffers.
Yet Spirit is right here in my ear, so clear.
Audible over and under and through every other sound saying,
“Embrace every sniff and cough and bang,
the cars, the children, the bells.
Hear the still small voice of God in every sound.
Thank your ears.
Smile, your message has arrived.”