Be Quick to Listen

Most often I am a very good listener except when I'm very tired. Which has been the case with having kids. Some days are tiring than others and on the tiring days, things just don't go right in my world.

Today was one of such days. I had a very  long week with very little sleep that left me restless. Yes, on Saturday's I try to sleep in if I can depending on when the kids wake up.

Also, Saturday's are lazy days for us to keep life a little relaxed. Today, my husband had to work making it a very short weekend. He forgot his pager at home which meant I had to call him every time a page came in. I was not ready for this job today and decided take the pager to his job.

I told the kids I will be back in a moment and that they should be good to grandpa.

As I was pulling out of the garage, my two year old tried to stop me.

"Mommy, where are you going?"

Me: daddy left his pager so I need to take it to him. I will be back soon.

As I slowly backed up, she said something but I tried to stop her. Baby go inside the house I will be back. She stood there looking at me, still saying something.

Before I knew it I crashed my garage door :-(.

I had left the back passenger door open while backing up in a hurry.

This little girl was telling me to close the door but I was not listening. It is then that what she was saying echoed in my brain.

"Mommy close my door! Mommy close my door! It was the side of the car where her car seat is.

Oh baby is that what you where trying to tell me? Crying in hurt and frustration.

" yes mommy you left the door open"

I stopped the car, went and gave her a big hug and said thank you. It was too late the damage had been done.

Sometimes God tries to slow us in this very busy world. Today He used my daughter to prevent an accident but I was in a hurry. If only I had stopped and listened to her, things would have been different.

As a mother, I sometimes turn not to pay attention to what my kids are trying to tell me due to fatigue. I want them to act a certain way and follow my instructions. Yet, they always have something to say as their little minds develop. 

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (James 1:19 NIV)

In all their curiosity and adventures, God is at work. He wants us to listen to them despite their slowness in articulating words. Although our kids need our discipline to thrive, God teaches us a lot through them.

We need to listen more and be patient despite our busy schedules. Our Heavenly Father listens to us and is a patient God.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)