Ice Cream Voice

It was a warm summer day, three of my grandsons were actively playing in the backyard, and I had just finished a batch of my homemade ice cream. I went to the back door to invite them to enjoy the ice cream with me.

As I stepped to the door I noticed that they were all the way to the back of the yard by the fence, about thirty yards away. Ordinarily, at that distance, I would have to yell to get their attention. But the thought crossed my mind that this might be a good time to try an experiment in selective hearing. So I quietly opened the door and in a normal speaking voice said:

“Anyone ready for ice cream?”

Suddenly three heads turned in my direction as all three boys began running for the door yelling, “Ice Cream!”

We sometimes teach our children to control the volume of their voices. We refer to “inside voice” and “outside voice” to distinguish the volumes needed to communicate in different settings. Perhaps there also needs to be a designation of “Ice Cream Voice” for those things we like to hear.

There are those words that make our ears perk up when we hear them even when they are whispered. There are even many phrases that may rank more important than, “Ice Cream,” or “Have more pie.” Phrases like, “I love you,” can be heard when whispered across a busy airport. “Good job,” “Well done,” and “Thank you,” also come to mind. Our ears become tuned to words and our eyes to wordless expressions that become a special language for friends and couples over time.

Paul said, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Our ears and our senses can also become tuned to hear the word of Christ. As our relationship with Him grows over time we learn to recognize His voice in His word and in the daily occurrences of our lives. If we are listening God has an “Ice Cream” voice. When we are sensitive to His Spirit it is as though we are children and He has said “Ice Cream.” We can come to the sound of His voice and enjoy the blessings He has prepared for us.

Bro. Robin