Where do you stand?

So often we pray that we could be able to hear the voice of God, see the hand of God, or feel His very touch. What I don't understand is what it is within us that causes us to miss so much. God speaks to us in many ways each day and yet we do not hear, or is it that we do not listen? He paints beautiful portraits right in front of our eyes, but instead of admiring His creation...we continue on with our busy day. He gently nudges us to get our attention and yet we don't even notice.
We pray, "Lord give me an opportunity to make a difference today," but when He puts that opportunity right in front of us we don't recognize it. Is it that we don't recognize it or is it our pride which gets in the way and causes our words to be fumbled or even meaningless.
As a nurse, I am often given such opportunities. Why is it that I'd rather offer empty words than what they really need to hear? What is it that makes it easier to talk to some stranger in a foreign country about a God who loves them unconditionally than it is to talk to a co-worker, family member, or friend? Why are we so afraid that people will think we've crossed the line, become finatic, or are invading their personal space? Why do we fear what other people think? Many will go to their death bed and not even know the name of Jesus. Many will go to eternity without Him while we sit and ponder what to say. We might me rejected, disappointed, shot down, or ridiculed...but won't it be worth it?
What is it that causes the Creator of our universe to love a sinner like me? Maybe I'll never quite understand.