Momma was REALLY something--and perhaps the truth is I was really something. How many times did she sternly ask me
"DID YOU HEAR ME?"
I am living proof that the apple sometimes does not fall far from the tree for you see I repeated those very words to my own children, more times than I can remember.
Those words were an effort to see why they were not obeying the direct command I had given them. In my mind, I had made it abundantly clear what I expected and it seemed as if they were at a minimum ignoring me--and at times out right disobeying. Parenting could be so frustrating!
At times I have friends - young and old alike - who come to me with a problem. I have the heart of a fixer and if you bring a problem to me--I am on the path to help you make the problem go away. In my mind, I give out good advice. In many cases, the good advice is ignored as the seeker explains why their solution is best. It would seem they did not want advice, but affirmation of what they had set out to do in the first place.
There are times in our lives--we just want a good listener. Someone to hear us. One of the best things about marriage is a 24/7 partner to bounce our thoughts off of. A set of ears who are interested in what we have to say. We all desire the sure knowledge that we are being heard.
I am thankful for The One who faithfully listens ---even when we come across as whinny selfish brats--He listens. I am thankful for the entire book of good advice--commands He has given us. Commands to live by--tenants for a joyful life. I am thankful for His, "No's" as well as the "Yes'es". I am thankful He hears me. My thankfulness is best displayed when I listen to what He has to say. The proof of my listening comes in my obedience. I am thankful He continues to listen when I am disobedient. I am thankful for not merely second chances, but multiple chances and His Good Ear.
I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!
Psalm 66:17-20
Yes, I agree. Often people who ask for advice only want affirmation of what they have done or are about to do. I know someone just like that.
ReplyDeleteAs for 24/7 hearing in a marriage. In my experience a good marriage is one where one of the partners is slightly deaf - preferably the husband. Wives tend to prattle on ad infinitum about nothing in particular. After a difficult day at work, husbands do not want to hear about the milk boiling over, or the trash can spilling its load, or the dog or cat did this and that. Ladies, just get to the point and tell your husbands what's important.
I think God tends to listen to men better than women. Men get straight to the point with their requests and don't go on and on giving God a headache.
(Thinks) I bet Lulu will get really annoyed with me about this male chauvinist comment.
Keep smiling, Lulu. God bless you.
OH, Victor, you stinker, get out of the pig pen ! Fortunately for you, I don't believe this about you. If it were true, I might have to come across the pond and set you straight! You are a good listener as evidenced by your thoughtful replies to my posts! I refuse to believe anything else!
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!
It would be lovely, and an honour, to get to meet you, Lulu.
DeleteGod bless.
HA, now the shoe is on the other foot, I simply do not want to hear about trash, dog, whatever, LOLOLOL. In all seriousness, Lulu, what a lovely post...and so guilty as well. Have a beautiful day friend.
ReplyDeleteSomething tells me Victor purposefully stirred up the hornet's nest!
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Hi Lulu! I remember reading that our God is a God of second chances, but I like your take better. Not just second chances, but multiple chances. And yes, don't we all want to be heard?
ReplyDeleteIt's so great that you know what your spiritual gifts are, and you know that you are a good listener. And not only a listener, but ready to help out with your wisdom. Love that quote! Just because you aren't always heard, you should still share the knowledge that has been hard won, and heavenly inspired.
Have a wonderful day!
Ceil
I ask every day that He show me how he desires to use me that day, Ceil. And when he uses me---WHAT a Blessing!
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!