(Psalm 33:1) Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising.

Yesterday I reflected as I listen to myself and others talk. Nothing was as it appeared to be. Diplomatic words hid the truth. Frustration with the past and anger about the future now came out masked in smooth words of assurance. Everyone knew the truth; no one felt the courage to speak with it.

Later on the flight home, the flight attendant identified my seatmate's accent as being from a specific town in South Africa. I listened to the conversation from the beginning.

"Excuse me, when are we going to leave?"

"We expect to shortly. You're from Durban."

"Yes, but how did you know that? Most people think I am from Australia or New Zealand."

"You sound like home. I really miss South Africa."

The conversation quickly moved to Durban. They quickly shared details about things that are important to them. Their list of important things included where they lived, their desire to be there, and what they missed most when they were away. Their conversation came in bits and bites during the flight, finally ending with a quick exchange of email addresses.

I wish people could identify my accent as a God follower. Think of the conversations!

"Excuse me, can you give me a hand?"

"I would be happy to. You're a God-follower."

"Yes, but how did you know that?"

"You sound like where I want to be. I really miss God. It seems like my God thirst is never quenched."

The conversation quickly moves to quenching one's God thirst. We share our struggles and steps with God. We revel is the incredible ways God works with us, all the while knowing how fragile and weak we are. We celebrate and adore God's presence between us. Our steps are lighter as we depart from prayer together.

Yesterday my accent couldn't be identified as a God-follower. Today is another opportunity to practice with His help.

My dream is that today God's accent will be the only thing people hear. God dreams happen!

—Bill Ashlock