As a mom, I have honed in on my listening skills. It started when Griff was a newborn. If I ran to shower for two minutes, I’d listen for that little cry through the running water so I could jump out and soothe him. As he began sleeping in his crib, I mastered the art of sleeping with ears alert to listen for his cry during the night, and now babbling when he wakes in the morning. Now in toddler stage, I listen throughout the day as we move through the house or I prepare his lunch. If it’s too quiet I know something’s up and I should be on the move in his direction. I listen for his sweet “Mama,” and often listen for his giggles when I know he is playing with Sam in the next room. My ears have been trained well over the last two years. They had some prequisite training as a nurse, when I listened for monitor/pump beeps on night shift. And even before that, post college I’d run with headphones in, but could still listen past the music for the sound of a car or another runner.
Listening is something we do everyday. We do it in our subconscious as parents, and intentionally when we eaves drop on interesting conversations. Hopefully we listen intently to our spouses when they try to talk to us about what’s on their minds and in their hearts. ***I may need help with the last one. Sadly, Sam’s conversations give way to my attention to our busy little boy, when my husband deserves my time as well. I pray that I will listen when my sweet Griffin hits obstacles that bruise his heart and his feelings in the future; or, that I might listen for HIS dreams as an adult.
So with all of the situations or circumstances that we listen in our daily lives, why is it so hard to listen to God… Not just what we want to hear, but truly listen for what HE wants for our hearts and our lives. I’ve had countless times of trying to “listen,” but interrupting God with my own thoughts and plans. I’ve had a preconceived idea and not truly listened patiently for HIS words. This week I sat on the porch to do my quiet time because the weather has been so wonderful.
And I took note that I listened to beautiful birds sing such sweet songs. I listened to the wind blow around me. I listened to a car horn down the street and the sounds of children playing in our neighborhood. I’m so thankful for all of those things. God gave them as gifts if we take time to listen for them. But, I listened deeper still. I yearned to hear God speak over my day and our life. I prayed that He’d almost yell at me when He had an instruction or praise when I am so quick to point out my flaws. “God speak to me about what you want me to do or who you want me to be.” “What do you want me to do with Griffin today?””What next project do you want me to work on?” I sat for a while and just listened.
Later that evening we drove to the park for family time. I spotted across the street, the little corner store of the old brick building that houses a restaurant that we love.
I told Sam I felt a pull there and wanted to check it out. It was closed. We were back this morning to let Griff enjoy the sunshine and I felt it again. I KNEW God was speaking so I listened. And followed! We went in and much to my surprise the “little” store on the corner is a huge antique shop with great prices, LOTS to choose from, and the most wonderful owner. The store had as much charm as she did. I learned that she’d been there for 25 years. She shared the same love of antiques as me, as well as gave great history on our lovely little town and the best thrift stores to hit. And we talked about callings from God. This conversation was just what I needed right now. She felt called to open that shop 25 years ago and it has paid her in friendships and life lessons far beyond what the money has paid. But, she must being doing just fine to stay open 25 years. We chatted about House of Stain, and I told her that repurposing is just a hobby along with writing this blog. And some days I feel unsure about the new endeavors God has sent my way because it has been a huge area of growth. She gave me great insight on taking what I am unsure of and allowing it to help me lean on that which I am MOST sure: my faith. In the words of a woman leaning on her faith for 25 years over a “new” endeavor: “Honey, you take what you’re least confident in and you give it to the One who creates the confidence in You. He helps you listen to His words of truth for yourself!” Griff and I went home being sure of one thing: no matter what we face that makes us question ourselves and our abilities, God will see us through it as long as we are LISTENING for His words and affirmation.
To boot, that sweet lady sold me a $60 bedside table for $20, that I can’t wait to listen for God’s guidance on repurposing!!
house of stain 