Joining Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday again this week…visit her site to join in the Friday fun!
Some days, the frustration just keeps mounting. I say the same things over and over and even over again. They’re just not listening to me. So, I sweep the same messes, end the same arguments and make the same speeches…again.
My work gets interrupted, my house gets cluttered and my patience gets worn really thin. So I join the fray, and I fuss.
Some days, I realize the problems that lie behind the irritability, the disobedience and the frustration I feel. It’s not that they aren’t listening to me…I’m not listening to them. Instead of turning from unimportant tasks, I treat them like distractions when I need to focus my mind on what’s important and tune my ears to them.
Because when I do, I realize…he’s being mischievous because he’s been cooped up sick all week and his energy needs an outlet. She’s being disrespectful because she feels passed over for little ones all over again. They’re crying because it’s nap time, and I just need to take them home already.
The funny thing is: when I listen to them, they start to hear me. Or maybe I just feel like they do? Because I hear the other things they say, too. The interruptions are their invitations. They want me to play. They need me to pay attention. They even want to help me if I’ll take the time to teach them how.
Lord, give me ears that hear….your words and theirs. The ones you’ve written, the ones you whisper, and the ones they don’t know how to say. Amen.
Patty says
You shared a very important and powerful message about motherhood. Sometimes I get caught up in the same things – it happens too often! I appreciate what you wrote.
MississippiMom says
Thank you for visiting and reading and for your kind comment! Blessings…
Kathy says
Charlie, this is so true! Even though I try to listen, I fail miserably! But the truth is our kids need us to hear what they need even when they cannot articulate what they need. What a great reminder!
MississippiMom says
Thanks for reading, Kathy! I miss seeing you! Have a great weekend!
April says
Beautiful. Just beautiful. I know I need to do a better job of listening to my kids. Thank you for the reminder.
MississippiMom says
So glad you stopped by! Have a blessed day!
Rachael @ Inking the Heart says
So true. I wish I remembered this truth all the time. You so eloquently conveyed what we all as mom’s are guilty of way too often. Blessings to you! And thank you for your words.
Beth says
Oh wise words…”The funny thing is: when I listen to them, they start to hear me.” My boys are young men now and there wasn’t much listening going on as they grew up. I’m so grateful for how God reminds me to stop and truly listen to them now…it’s never too late.
Thank you for this wonderful post. I’m grateful to make my way here through FMF.
Blessings,
Beth