IF I LISTEN QUIETLY (version 1)

                                                                  If I listen quietly,

If I listen carefully.

I can hear God laughing.

He has much to laugh at,

So many to laugh with,

and so much to laugh about.

I can hear God’s laugh.

In the noise of a thunderstorm,

as the earth drinks in the rain.

I can hear God giggle.

As the birds greet the morning,

on wing or at rest.

I hear God snicker.

At the antics of children,

squealing with the joys of life.

I can hear God’s chuckle.

In the waters of a stream,

and rolling onto shore

I can hear God’s laughter.

When a new mother

first meets her child.

I can hear God’s snort.

When the new father

is handed his first born.

I can hear God chortle.

As two people discover

their love for each other.

I can hear God’s glee.

At the dreams of the young

as they fly through the night.

I can hear God smile.

In the smile of those I love

and those that love me.

If you listen carefully,

If you listen quietly,

you can hear God laughing.

When you laugh at yourself.