That happy "snappy" sound

“Bow down and worship the LORD our Creator! The LORD is our God, and we are his people, the sheep he takes care of in his own pasture. Listen to God’s voice today!” Psalm 95:6-7 CEV

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m in canning mode this week. Last week it was 14 jars of relish, 12 jars of beans, 20 quarts of tomatoes and 16 pint bags of corn for the freezer. This week I’ve canned 8 pints of beans, 13 quarts and 8 pints of tomato sauce. I still have more tomatoes, pumpkin, applesauce and sauerkraut to do, but things will definitely slow down now.

Some days I’m not sure why I put myself through all that work because it is an arduous process, but I really do enjoy it – especially seeing the filled jars on the pantry shelves and eating the better-than-store-bought items in the dead of winter.

But what I really love about the canning process are those few moments right after pulling the jars out of the canner. I find myself listening for that little metallic “snap” of each lid that proves the jars have sealed. No matter where I am in the house,, I hear it because I’ve trained myself to listen for it so I can count each ”snap” to be sure all the jars have sealed. Each time I hear that distinct sound, I feel a happy sense of fulfillment. I want to whoop for joy because I know my hard work paid off.

Though life is hard at times, I feel that same sense of fulfillment as I bow down to worship God. When I listen for and hear his voice, I know I am safe, cared-for and full of peace, even during life’s storms. Listening doesn’t come naturally – I have to work at listening for his voice, but when I hear it, it makes my heart glad.

Thank you Lord for caring for me and speaking to my heart. Help me keep my ears tuned to your voice no matter where I am or what I’m doing today. Amen.