January 16. 2010

Kalani Goins

Listen to that still, small voice as it guides us truly

One day, several years ago, I started to drive up our long driveway. It is very steep at first, paved, and bounded by a shallow ditch on one side, and a deep slope and trench on the other.

I didn’t realize that the big storm the night before had caused mud to seep over onto the left side of the driveway. Driving part way up, my left front tire caught in the mud on a small branch that had fallen. The car stopped and then began to slide diagonally backward toward the slope on the other side of the driveway.

Intensely frightened, I set the emergency brake as hard as I could, and gingerly stepped down from the van. The picture was not encouraging. I could not get the car out of the mud by simply backing up because the left front tire was caught.

I knew that no neighbors could help at that time. Cell phones do not work on that part of the driveway, and by the time I could walk up the driveway and call for a tow truck, I was afraid the car would simply slide, then roll and tumble into the ditch.

Getting back into the car, I silently prayed to God to know what to do. Listening for the “still, small voice within,” I “heard” that I was to let the car drift diagonally, allowing the right rear tire to leave the driveway, and then turn the wheel hard when directed.

Letting the brake off, I obeyed the voice, sensing when the tire was no longer on the driveway, and then, suddenly, found myself turning the wheel to the left. In a few seconds, the back tire met the driveway again, and I backed down to the street. Shaking with gratitude and relief, knowing that I had been directed by the God who sustains me moment by moment, I drove up and down the cul-de-sac to clear the tires of mud. Continuing to listen for the voice within, I started back up the driveway, avoiding the mud and the stick.

I gave thanks to that voice, which directs us all, and had met my need perfectly. Trusting God even when trust seemed impossible won the day and warmed my heart.

Another experience of listening for God’s direction came one day when I dropped a large battery on my bare foot. By nightfall, I was unable to bear even the weight of a sheet on it. I could not walk, and crutches were not available. As I listened deeply, which is what prayer means to me, I heard the words, “Take a stand for yourself as complete and whole.” This I did, and within an hour, I was up on that foot with a shoe on, ready to go grocery shopping.

I believe we all have access to hear, trust and act on that still, small voice, and that it guides us truly on the path of our lives.

Kalani Goins is a therapist in private practice, and a Gnostic priest. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives with the intention of blessing our community and the world. For information visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 541-344-0430.