A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
By Joo Jin-kyu, Pastor
Photo credit: Author
A household experienced an unusual event as their cat, Maple, went missing after six years of companionship, prompting a family-wide alarm. Speculation fell on the grandmother, who was responsible for feeding Maple. The family interrogated her, "Mother, did you leave the backyard door open?" and "Grandma, where's Maple?" The grandmother, understandably upset, insisted, "I did not leave the door open," before retreating to her room.
Shortly after initiating the search, the family found Maple sitting outside the backyard door. Despite her ability to jump over the barrier, she remained outside, a mystery that repeated for three days. The following morning revealed the truth: the noise from nearby construction work, magnified to her sensitive ears, had frightened her. The ordeal that overturned Maple's life turned out to be nothing more than typical construction noise.
In my first job at a bank, I joined a team managing premium clients, benefiting from the influx of foreign investment at the time. The team, though diverse, shared a strong camaraderie, lacking the common internal competitiveness. However, I later realized one young team member was distancing himself. He admitted that he found our discussions, often involving behind-the-scenes stories about clients, difficult to join. His refusal to partake in conversations that degraded clients was a pointed reminder that indulging in such discussions sullied one's spirit. Reflecting on his words still brings a sense of shame.
During my studies abroad, my first child was born. The exhaustion was overwhelming as a novice father, waking multiple times nightly to tend to a newborn. My wife, however, managed to respond consistently, her maternal instincts heightened by physiological changes. The acuteness of a mother's hearing, likened to a thunderous alarm for a cat, underscores her vital role in a child’s growth and well-being. Could life endure without this maternal sensitivity?
Ancient Israel, portrayed in Biblical texts, failed to heed divine guidance, opting for pleasing narratives instead. This selective listening led to national division and downfall, illustrating the critical role of attentive hearing. Recently, the loss of two promising athletes highlights the tragic consequence of unheard cries for help. Their plight underscores the necessity for attentive listeners.
One acquaintance, facing surgery, described her ordeal as a time of profound solitude until the support of friends surfaced like a clarion call. The importance of supportive listening cannot be understated.
The lyrics "He responds even to your smallest sigh" speak to a Creator who listens attentively to humanity. Jesus' teachings often urged those "with ears to hear" to truly listen. Despite physical capacity, discerning ears that listen with empathy and love are rare. Reflecting on my experiences, I question if I've ignored silent pleas while indulging in lesser sounds. May we cultivate more ears willing to listen, bringing life to ourselves and others.
•Manhattan GCC (Gospel Centered Church)
Facebook: Gospel Centered Church
