What would have to happen for you to immediately stop what you are doing and reconsider your actions? The face of a person in need? A call from a family member or close friend? A barking dog? For Balaam, the ancient non-Israelite diviner/prophet, a talking donkey did the trick. On the way to carry out his task of cursing the Israelites, his donkey began speaking to him. Only then did he become aware of the angel of God in front of him.
Sometimes we need something extraordinary that invites us to reconsider our actions. It is an invitation to pay attention to the Divine.