Voices

It was clear that Vern was not feeling well. He ignored his food and only wanted to lie down in front of the fire. Bee, on the other hand, was eager to go after the extra bowl of food that she didn’t need, given we are watching her waist line. All morning, we tried to place the bowl down in front of our little friend. But every time we did, Vern would walk away.

Later in the morning, Vern regurgitated several leaves that he must have eaten while spending time outside. After the third time of emptying his stomach, he seemed to be feeling better. Once we cornered Bee and held her back from the bowl, Vern finally finished his breakfast.

As much as I want to be upset with Vern for grazing on leaves, I know that I am guilty of doing the same thing. I may not eat leaves, but I have been known to consume an extra dessert every now and then or have a little too many evening drinks.

What really messes me up is my consumption of the voices that I don’t need to be hearing. Voices from the television that provoke me to feel anger and hatred. Voices from social media that paint pictures of perfect lives that cause me to feel jealousy or envy. Voices, voices, voices.

If only I would stop consuming the voices that cause my soul to get sick and turn my ear to the one voice that brings life. Jesus spoke, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

Vern is now resting comfortably beside Bee. The effects of consuming the leaves are past, and hopefully he will stay away from grazing on plants that are not meant for ingesting. And like him, I will also try to take in what is good and shut out the unwanted voices that cause damage to the soul.