Guilt sets in because I know, I know, these days are fleeting. These days of childhood craziness, piles of laundry, dirty faces (and everything else) and "Mommy, look!" every three minutes will pass too quickly. I know he and his big brother are growing, changing. In a blink they will be ready to set out into the world as adolescents, then teenagers, then men, not boys. These are precious times, meant to be lived fully.
I want to listen. I do. But so much is vying for my time, my attention, my affection.
I remind myself to stop! To listen. To really listen. Not only to the chubby cheeked boy with my face in his hands, but to all of those I love, especially to the One who probably wishes He could sometimes grab me like my three year old does! You know the One who always listens to me. He could say, "Listen to Me! Fix your eyes on Me. You're so distracted by the every day stuff of life."
Today I will take the time to be still, to quiet my mind and listen. Really listen. How about you?
Lis-ten (lis-uh-n): verb
1. to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
2. to pay attention; heed; obey.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. John 10:27
Today I'm joining Lisa-Jo Baker for 5 Minute Friday. This is when I "just write without worrying if it's just right or not. For five minutes flat, without editing, tweaking or self-critiquing". Today's word is Listen. Follow the link below to see what others had to say about this...or to join in on the writing fun.
That was beautiful! Very similar to what I wrote about today for FMF, but said much better! :) Blessings on you as you listen to your boys!
ReplyDeleteTina @ Mommynificent
As a mom I can relate! Life is so distracting and responsibilities beckon sometimes louder then the sound of our own children's voices. But to remember to stop and really listen. To embrace this time when they still want our attention. This is the struggle of a mom.
ReplyDeleteChristy @ A Heartening Life
www.ahearteninglife.com
Oh Rachel, I get this! Many people and things pull (and sometimes) scream for out attention, but who do we listen to? If we'd listen to God, the most important voice, we'll be much quicker to prioritze the others. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand the fight of a mom to slow down and truly listen to her children. I've been guilty of turning my gaze their direction, but not truly hearing them. I want to hear them, loud and clear, and to hear Jesus even louder. Thanks for visiting me from the Five Minute Friday!
ReplyDeleteThis is very true!!! When you say it like that, that the God of the Universe grabs our faces sometimes and says "listen to me!!" like your three year old...well, it makes me think that maybe I ought to do that more often! ;) Thanks for sharing your heart! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Rachel! First time visiting your blog from FMF. I love that we had the exact same thing placed on our heart! It is so hard to listen at times but keeping our focus where it should be on HIM all else will fall into place. :) Have a great Monday friend!
ReplyDeleteI love the way kids get their busy parents attention... so creative and sweet.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda