Lack of Communication by Robin Densmore Fuson

 

July 5^th marked a blistering hot day where temperatures hovered around the hundred-degree mark and heat waves rolled up from the pavement. Our family of five loved an adventure and decided on a drive up into the mountains where the air was cool and clear.

Pikes Peak towering above Colorado Springs our destination, but first we thought full tummies down in the city instead of the café at the top of the mountain a better idea.

We splurged on burgers, fries, and Coke. Anticipating our adventure, we didn’t go inside but chose the drive-through. My husband, David, pulled up to the order communication box. We knew what we wanted, so we figured this would be a “no-brainer.”

We were wrong.

The burgers and fries ordered, and the request for our choice of drinks came up. David often presented and spoke to crowds. As a polished communicator, he said, “Coke.”

The response from the little box stunned us. “Milk?”

“No. Coke.”

“Milk?”

Because of the heat, the car’s air conditioner blasted cold air, so David turned down the fan and repeated, “Coke.”

“Milk?”

“Oh, for crying out loud.” Shifting into drive, Dave navigated to the window to be understood. An arm stretched out the window, and in the large palm perched small cartons of milk.

Dave shook his head and spelled, “C O K E, it’s too hot for milk.”

The arm, with its unwanted burden, retreated. Nothing said. No face appeared.

A voice told the amount owed.

We paid for our original request.

The arm returned with large cups of the desired cold fizzy delight. One at a time, five total, then sacks of burgers and fries.

I counted everything before we drove off.

Communication.

Have you ever struggled with communication?

Communicating our needs and desires can sometimes be difficult, especially if the hearer thinks you are meaning something entirely different from what your words declare. Our intentions might be misheard, misread and end up completely misunderstood.

Arguments can erupt or plans go awry. Steps not followed can turn into a problem that could’ve been avoided.

Communication from our hearts to the Father’s ears never gets jumbled. He understands our needs before we ask. Our Communications Officer, Holy Spirit, takes our groanings and cleans up the static and presents it to the Father. Never ever are we misunderstood. It can’t happen. An omniscient God knows all.

We can take great comfort in this fact.

No more milk instead of coke.

He delights in listening to us.

Never fear, He hears you correctly and distinctly. You are precious to Him.

Tell Him everything. Pour out your heart. He is waiting.  

 

“But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears (Psalm 18:6 nlt).

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words” (Romans 8:26 nlt).

“For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory” (Psalm 149:4 nlt).

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17).