Day 4: LISTEN

Do I listen to my kids? I mean really listen to them - their thoughts and ideas, hopes, disappointments, questions, likes, dislikes, and frustrations? I would like to think that I do, but to be honest, there are many times when I know I do not listen as well as I should be. If I am caught up in the middle of checking off items on a list or cooking dinner, I know that my listening skills have dropped to near-none. I wish I were a multitasker. However, since I do not have much control over being able to juggle more than one thing at a time well, I need to find a way to listen well to my kids. My desire is that my children know they are important and that I value the words they share with me.

The Challenge was to play the listening game with the kids. Evie loved it! Jackson did not quite get the point, but he had fun saying - actually, yelling - phrases to his sister. The listening game was actually a great tie-in with obedience. While chatting with Evie about the things she liked about her day and the things she did not like, she mentioned getting a spanking as her least favorite. So, I explained to her that a way she can show me that she listens to me is to then obey what I have told her to do - in order to not get a spanking. We practiced this all day and it actually helped her respond much more positively to my instruction.

During my intentional conversation with Evie, I learned that:

• Church is her favorite activity during the week. She loved visiting a new church this Sunday - Redemption Arcadia - one of our church's congregations. She made two new friends who she is excited to see again.
• She loved singing during worship next to her brother. She helped him feel comfortable and helped him sing. 
• She misses her dad greatly when he is away working (which has been a major issue for her). However, she told me, "Mom, I understand now why he has to be away working. He is working so that we can get our stuff out of storage and live in our own home. He is taking care of us. I get it. I will try and not be so sad when Daddy's gone because I don't want to make him sad." She is such a wise, sweet girl.
• She does not like to get spankings - see above discussion on obedience.
• Her favorite animals are, in order: flamingos, dolphins, ostriches, sharks, and octopuses. That totally fits Evie - a pink bird ("Of course, Mom, they're pink and they can fly!!!"), a flightless bird ("Because they're fast!"), and sea creatures (she'd live in water if possible).

Thank you, Evie, for sharing your beautiful words with me today. I hope to do a better job of setting aside time to talk to you more intentionally. You are my precious little miss and I pray that God will use your strong spirit to make much of Him.

During my intentional conversation with Jackson, I learned that:

• He loves food! This is no surprise - anyone who knows Jackson knows he lives for food. :) His favorite foods right now are: tofu, chocolate, pasta, avocados, edamame, cheese sticks, banana peppers, tomatoes, eggs, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries.
• He also loved singing during worship with Evie. This little boy, who says VERY few words, can sing the beginning of "Jesus Loves Me" (he sings the tune better than the words) - this is the song I have sung to him at bedtime for as long as I can remember.
• He spends most of his time dancing to the constant music that plays in his head. It's amazing really.
• He loves to pray for everything. He folds his hands, bows his head, and says 'Amen' to let you know it is time for him to thank God for something, or to pray because he is scared.
• He does not want to sit and talk about stuff, but rather grab me by the hand, say 'C'mon' while motioning with his hand, and pull me to the next amazing activity/food/place he IS interested in.

Oh, little man, your Mama loves you so much her heart feels like it could explode. You are my sweet spot. The joy and laughter you bring to my life is my best medicine. Thank you for loving me so tightly.

Finding Joy Blog: Day 4: Listen