Sandee Macgregor

Highlights, Hope, Parenting

THE GIFT OF LISTENING

Sandee Macgregor / February 5, 2021

Recently, I was asked what I’ve learned from parenting over the years. I literally blanked! I was momentarily overwhelmed with just what to say. I have learned a lot, mostly through my failures. Which failure do I speak out loud? How do I sum up what I have learned? Can I simply say I am still learning and that I don’t know which lesson to highlight? All of that within seconds. Suddenly, one word flashes through my mind: LISTEN.

What can I do better? LISTEN

What is critical to parenting? LISTENING

What do we all crave? TO BE HEARD

Feeling invisible is a lonely way to navigate life. As a mom, an awareness of my own need to be heard can be willingly lived out in front of my kids. Voicing this reality and allowing them to see my humanness, not super mom with no needs, is so important.

Initially, the question left me at a loss for words. Then, the 4th chapter in my devotional Listening and Living flooded my mind, “Listening guides the soul of another towards a beautiful discovery of resting in being heard” (p.44 Mother-Daughter Devotional and Shared Journal Experience for Psalm 119) .

What have I learned from my parenting years? A lot. But one area that lays the foundation for years to come is the ability to listen. Hearing not only their words, but reading the unspoken nuances that are often the most telling like: tears, furrowed brow, bright eyes and wrinkles from a smile. This is a gift to give that they will, Lord willing, offer to others.

I took a moment and thought through my ability to listen to my kids lately. Good to take inventory! Always room for improvement. Put away whatever is distracting, talk less, look them in the eye and be still.

“Girls growing up in this generation need a good listener. Her friends can listen, but the gift we have as mothers is the ability to be her first best listener” (p.44 Mother-Daughter Devotional and Shared Journal).

Listening to God is first. With that daily habit I can only improve my ability to listen to my kids and attempt to be their first best listener. If you have a moment today, listen to the lyrics of this song by Chris McClarney. A beautiful song, talented artists.

Chris McClarney – I’m Listening (feat Hollyn) (Live)

One response to “THE GIFT OF LISTENING”

Gloria says:

February 6, 2021 at 12:38 am

Significant reminder indeed. All of us including as we get older do well to listen for what we can take in from another -ears to hear! Waiting on the Lord sharpens my listening skills. Appreciate your prompts. OX

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