We all have those preprogrammed responses that we say when we aren’t really listening.

“Sam, you need to do your jobs.”

“I know, I know.”

We say them without really thinking.

“Sam, I need you to do this before you go.”

“I know, I know.”

We say them without caring.

“Sam, I’ve been feeling bad and need some support.”

“I know, I know.”

We say them without thinking of others because we’re so caught up in ourselves.

“Sam, that person has been doing this and needs help carrying on.”

“I know, I know.”

We say them with no compassion, no conviction, no meaning.

“Sam, that person needs a pick-me-up.”

“I know, I know.”

We say them to ourselves when we try to figure out our messed up lives or the lives of others.

“Sam, you’re doing this wrong. You need to do this.”

“I know, I know.”

And we say them to God.

“Daughter, I’m here.

“I know, I know.”

“Daughter, you need to change that.”

“I know, I know.”

“Daughter, this is what I’m calling you to do.”

“I know, I know.”

And the time when you find out that you don’t know makes you collapse. And you cry with the realization that you don’t know. Anything. You’re lost. You’re wandering. You’re speaking empty words. You’re selfish. You’re deaf. You don’t know. You’ve never known. Ever.

But God knows.

“I know, I know.”