What drum do you hear?

Tonight I sat with Sam, reviewing his homework for his English II class. His assignment was to read an excerpt in his text from the work, "Walden".. They are learing about figurative writing, stepping into classic works to understand and analyze our world. And, when I saw the title of the work he was to read, I thought to myself, "Oh, I remember reading this in high school, maybe I will recall some of it and be able to help Sam understand."

So, we dove into the text, tearing apart each line of Thoreau's work, deciphering his will in his writing. It was about his departure from the fast paced, hurried life to retreat to a cabin in the woods.

Sam is an intelligent kid. He understood the reference to our Fourth of July. He caught the figurative language about the pond. He got the gist of the story and we laughed about the pace I keep as a mother. We made connections to the Bible's teaching on Jesus retreating to the mountainside to refocus and have solitude. We studied new words and learned more about each other.

Then we got to the end of the poem.

 It was the final sentence of this version in his text.

It was the resting place that would convict my soul.

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

 ~From Walden, by Thoreau

   
As we read, I asked Sam if he could give me an example of what he thought this line meant. He pondered my question. He was trying to align the words of the writing with his new found life here in the U.S. He has been through a lot the past few days and his brain was simply stumped.

I offered a suggestion, "You know Sam...when I read this verse, I thought of you."

His eyes held question?

I continued, "Well, I thought of you...you wanted to come to the U.S. You heard the drum. Maybe others around you in Ghana didn't, but you did, and you had the courage to act on it. You had the courage to come here, leave your mom and your sister and come...to follow the beat."

His eyes lit up.

"Sam, how did you decide you wanted to come to the U.S? How did you and your mom make the decision?"

And in his response, in his short explanation, the conviction came. So much for me helping him to understand...once again...he has helped me...in a matter of seconds, his simple, honest answer convicted my soul...

"Well, since I was in fifth grade, I have prayed to God that he would provide me with an opportunity to go to high school in the United States. He provided the opportunity. So I came."

Since fifth grade! 
Did you catch that?
Since fifth grade!

I looked at Kobe who stood next to us, half listening ot our conversation, and I thought...WOW...if Kobe were to pray for something NOW, as a sixth grader...would he have the FAITH to continue praying until he was 17 years old? For 5 years? Until he was one year from graduating high school? Until it looked like time had run out? 

And then...then...I thought....

WOULD I?

We all know the answer. We know that we are an impatient, immediate-response society. As much as I say "it is God's will", I know in my heart that I really want it to be in my timing.

Since fifth grade!

The drum never stopped my sisters. The drum kept beating. And Sam, this amazing kid who I am humbled and blessed to have as my new son, never stopped listening! He stayed on the beat and when the opportunity arose, he stepped to the music!!!  

Where are you my sister?
    What drum do you hear?
             What beat is it?

Believe me, I can assure you that it is not the same beat your friends hear!  

God has a plan for your life. He is calling. He is drumming.

Are you willing to step to the music? Are you willing to keep praying for AS LONG AS IT TAKES? 

What drum do you hear?

"For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord..."

Jeremiah 29:11