Are You Listening?

Day 1b – Isn't it funny when you are intentionally seeking quiet time with God…every distraction in the book comes along?! All I asked for was one mile…not twenty…just one. This afternoon, I desperately needed a nap. After sleeping for a good 15 minutes, my daughter woke me up not remembering me being at home. Ok, easy mistake. Then I reminded everyone in the house that I was taking a nap and within 15 minutes of falling asleep, my husband came in and woke me up. I felt like I was speaking into the wind. Is anyone listening? Then, I went to do my mile and within the first 5 minutes – I had family asking me questions of where certain items were in the house to which all mothers have the answer. We do read minds you know! Sadly, I often do know where the Lego head from some Star Wars kit is because I stepped on it on the way up the stairs. Anyway, I just felt like no one was listening to me today.
It reminded me about time around Christmas. I always know who knows me well by how well they listen to things I like throughout the year. It isn't to say that some don't listen – they might just be poor gift buyers. Truth is – I am a poor gift receiver. I would like to say that there is some 12 step program for this problem but there isn't. Hello, my name is Tris, and I am a poor gift receiver. I hear the first step is admitting you have a problem.
I absolutely LOVE shopping for people throughout the year. My family actually makes fun of me because I usually have shopping done most of the way by the end of October. I pick up little things throughout the whole year that are significant to that person. I would rather receive a bunch of little things that mean something and have little or no value than something extravagant and of little meaning. Don't get me wrong, if my husband wants to wrap a bow around a nice shiny car – I am not about to tell him to take it back…but you get the picture. I even took to writing a list for my family to follow this year so that I wouldn't look goofy when receiving my gifts. It isn't that I don't appreciate them. I just really enjoy giving more than receiving partially because I just want to know that people were listening to me and that I had value.
It really caused me to pause one night and ask myself how well we listen to God. It talks ALL throughout the Bible about how we need to listen to God. Proverbs 8:32-34 says this:

 ³² "Now then, my sons, listen to me;
       blessed are those who keep my ways.

 ³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise;
       do not ignore it.

 ³⁴ Blessed is the man who listens to me,
       watching daily at my doors,
       waiting at my doorway.

How often are we ignoring God or being constantly distracted? How often are we letting other things distract us rather than keeping our eyes directly on Him? More often than not He is talking to us but WE are the ones not listening or we are waiting for a different answer or question. He says you will be blessed if you listen to him. Wait upon him and listen at the door because He IS there talking to you.

My husband and I joke about how God comes to you in a whisper. Then, after you don't listen the first time, he comes and taps you on the shoulder. When you do not listen again, he whaps you upside the head with a 2x4. I have had those 2x4 moments and they do NOT feel good. When I am in direct connection and really listening no matter how hard it is, the outcome is glorious and so fulfilling.

Take 5 minutes today and try to focus ONLY on God – if not for an actual mile then for a virtual one. Don't be texting, watching TV, listening to the radio or whatever. Just sit and really listen to God. Watch how many distractions try to veer you off course. I believe it will amaze you and surprise you how well the enemy knows how to get in the way.