When you tell me something, I will listen

I have been abundantly blessed with four amazing children. I have 8 year old twins, a 5 year old, and a 3 year old. Two boys and two girls. And just like all parents know, they have different personality traits. My oldest daughter is mature, serious and always reliable. My oldest son is kind, thoughtful and is always thinking about others. My 5 year old is funny, sweet and is definitely more artistic and creative at 5 than I will ever be. And my 3 year old is, well, three. He's sweet and loving and has the most amazing vocabulary.

However, as all parents know, children are not perfect. None of us are. They make mistakes, test boundaries, and sometimes, just do not listen to their parents. I had an interaction with one of my children this summer that really made me stop and think about how this so closely aligned with my relationship with God.

One afternoon, after a particularly challenging day of getting one of my children to listen and follow directions, she and I were discussing the importance of listening and rules. She replied with, "Okay Mommy, when you tell me something, I will listen." Sounds simple doesn't it? Easy to do. And as her mom, I knew that this promise would only last for so long.

Days after this interaction, her words still stayed with me. When you tell me something, I will listen. And I thought to myself, how often does God tell me to do something and I listen? Mostly, I hope. But always? Definitely not. I am a flawed sinner saved by Jesus, so I am far from perfect. But it made me think about being more intentional when I felt Him speaking to me or guiding me.

Following God's way and path for us sounds simple, but even though He guides us, he still allows us the power to make our own choices. So, it is up to us to hear Him and listen. Sometimes even with a childlike innocence and faith. We could all use a little reminder from time to time that God is speaking to us always. So, I learned a lesson while parenting. Which was God's plan from that experience all along.

So, God, when you tell me something, I will listen.

Please join us for Pumpkins and Pistons Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 26 from 3-5 pm. If you would like to participate and pass out candy, please register on our website.