Just to be heard

There are people in our lives that, like the sun breaking through for just a moment on a cloudy day, shine into our lives and we take notice.   Perhaps it is more than just the sun peaking through, rather more like the warmth of the summer months that encourages flowers to grow and we are never the same.  Whether the brief encounter or a season of growth, we seldom forget the impact left in our lives from these visits. 

When I look at the people who are impacting the lives of my children, I notice they are all doing the same thing.   Of course it is in their own unique way, but when stripped down to the very simple act, it is the same.   They are listening to my children.   By listening, they are imparting a sense of value and giving love.  Part of this realization comes from the journey I have been on in my life that has opened my eyes and allows me to see today what is probably so plain and obvious to many people.

Today while attending a field trip with my daughter and her class, we sat by a little girl on the bus who I think just wanted to be heard.   I obviously don't know much about her home life, but she was telling me about her mom and her brother and some things that she was frustrated with.   Now I understand that children will talk and sometimes exaggerate the truth.   I get that, I often tell my husband I wonder what our children say about us when we are not listening.   But, this little girl talked so much, that neither my daughter or I could say anything, she had things that she wanted to say.  So, we listened. 

I have recently started a new job teaching classes to three to five year old children.   They come into class excited to talk about the shoes they have on, what their siblings did that morning, or even the fact that they have a sibling.  They would sit and talk through the whole class if we didn't have material to cover. 

I am so thankful to the adults in my children's lives that stop and listen to them.   It gives them a sense of purpose, identity, security, and love.   I hope that in my day as I am trying to stay on task and manage the busy and hectic schedules of life, that I don't forget to stop and listen.   I pray that to the children God has placed in my life, I can be one who will listen in their life.  



Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me."    Mark 9: 36-37 NLT