listening

Tour…taking it all in

GON OUT

BACKSON

BISY

BACKSON

C.R.

(from the story of Winnie the Pooh, did I ever mention that I love Pooh?!)

“Say, Pooh, why aren’t you busy?” I said.

“Because it’s a nice day,” said Pooh.

“Yes, but---“

“Why ruin it?” he said.

“But you could be doing something Important,” I said.

“I am,” said Pooh.

“Oh? Doing what?”

“Listening,” he said.

“Listening to what?”

“To the birds. And that squirrel over there.”

“What are they saying?” I asked.

“That it’s a nice day,” said Pooh.

“But you know that already,” I said.

“Yes, but it’s always good to hear that somebody else thinks so, too,” he replied.

“Well, you could be spending your time getting Educated by listening to the Radio, instead,” I said.

“That thing?”

“Certainly. How else will you know what’s going on in the world?” I said.

“By going outside,” said Pooh.

“Er…well…” (click.) “Now just listen to this, Pooh.”

“Thirty thousand people were killed today when five jumbo airliners collided over downtown Los Angeles…,” the Radio announced.

“What does that tell you about the world?” asked Pooh.

“Hmm. You’re right.” (click.)

“What are the birds saying now?” I asked.

“That it’s a nice day,” said Pooh.

It certainly is, even if the Backsons are too busy to enjoy it.

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

It is so easy to get caught up in the world. Do this. Do that. Schedules, work, school, paperwork…

Being in Chuuk, my eyes have been opened to the simplicity of life, and how people (mostly Americans) have lost the ability to not be busy and just listen. Pooh explains it so well! That if you just take the time to listen, your surroundings will tell you what you are missing out on.

I spent the entire afternoon, with my Weno host family, doing just that. They have a house on some land that is right on the water (unfortunately no beach, but I did not mind, the company and views made up for that).

We had a picnic lunch all together.

My mom took me up the mountain to see Xavier High School (the best private high school in all of Micronesia).

We spent a few hours just lying on a local woven mat. I just stared off into the horizon looking at nothing but ocean, and occasionally staring up at a coconut tree watching the windblown leaves.

It was the perfect day!

The best part…God whispered to me! He said this is one thing I want you to embrace while you are here. Just relax and listen to Me. Take in all that is around you and do not think, just listen. I love you and you are right where I need you. I am holding your hand and leading you on this journey continue to follow Me.

(speechless!)

Do not be a ‘bisy backson’ it is a beautiful day out there, no matter where you are…

Go sit under a tree, stare into the distance and…listen

I promise you will not be disappointed, and your ‘to do list’ really will not be mad at you for ignoring it.