Yesterday I postponed my run until afternoon. Normally, I don’t wear my hearing aids when running. I put them on just before leaving for work. If I’m alone on my day off I don’t use them at all.

The truth is I’m comfortable being partially deaf. The urgent sound of freeway traffic intrudes into my thoughts and the shrill bark of the neighbor’s dog unnerves me. I prefer to run in a quieter world.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.

I wonder do I sometimes find God’s voice intrusive; unnerving? Do I prefer to be left alone in deafness?

A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.