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“Tom, stop staring out the window and pay attention.” I heard that phrase on more than one occasion in school. My teachers knew I wouldn’t learn anything if I wasn’t listening, if I wasn’t paying attention.

How many couples have had this type of conversation: “Tom, I’m talking to you. Are you listening?” “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were talking to me.”

God wants to talk to us, too, and like teachers and spouses, he needs us to pay attention.

God teaches us through teachers and preachers, friends and family, books and total strangers. Any interaction can be an opportunity to learn and gain insight about God and ourselves and his plans for us. But he needs to have our attention.

It’s easy to be too busy with work, family and other interests to include time for God. Sure, we go to church, but we also need some quiet, Sabbath time for one-on-one with God. Sabbath time, or God time, can be anytime and anywhere that is private enough to allow our minds the freedom to listen.

Some find God’s presence while working in their gardens, washing dishes or going for walks. I have found God speaking to me while walking and talking with a friend. I find new thoughts and insights in my head that I can only describe as God’s presence.

The world around us is changing every day. New situations arise unexpectedly — be it fuel price increases, friends or family leaving or dying or changing jobs. How can we possibly deal with all this?

Talking issues out with friends or family is good, but we also have a friend who’s always available when needed. We can talk to God anytime, and, if we listen carefully and patiently with our hearts and minds, we will find that God has answers and guidance for us.

At times, I’ve had to work closely with people who really rubbed me the wrong way. I grew to resent and dislike them. Someone suggested I start praying for them. After a short time, I found a difference in working with them. Had God changed them because of my prayers, or had God changed me, my perspective and understanding, allowing me to be more patient and tolerant with them?

I have also learned to pay attention to God’s little voice within that whispers to call a friend or talk to that new person or drop a card in the mail. I recently did something totally out of character. I gave a homeless person half of the sandwich I just bought. That was God acting through me to share his love with somebody who needed it.

I try to pay attention and listen to God. Sometimes, I’m not listening or I hear but resist. But there are times when I hear, and I do act. Sometimes it takes the proverbial 2x4 upside the head.

So pay attention. God is persistent and keeps calling us. Are we listening?

Insight is sponsored by the Tanana Valley Christian Conference.

Thomas Marsh is a lay minister at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.