"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

As mothers or wives or friends, we're all guilty of it. Listening, but not listening. Giving an answer that isn't an answer. Responding without thinking. It recently happened again here in our home.

Our younger child had been quietly playing before time for the school bus. I had a list of chores I was trying to finish before we ran out the door. The meal was finished, the dishes were in the sink, and I had my mind elsewhere when we started this conversation.

"Mommy, I have a scratch here on my arm. It hurts."

"Mmm... I'm sorry. Let me give it a kiss."

"Can I have a Band-Aid® on it?"

"Sure, let's go get one."

"Mom, did you know that Polgara (one of our cats) fits into my doll's clothes, but Mowzer (our other cat) doesn't?"

"Mm-hmmm..." (short rerun through Mom's brain)
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

"Mom, I told you! Polgara fits into the doll clothes, but Mowzer doesn't."

"...mmm" (the light dawns...) Uh, honey?

"Yes, Mom?"

"Is that how you got this big scratch?"

We stare at each other for a few seconds, and she slowly nods her head. We have the usual mother-child conversation about being kind to animals and not hurting them, not doing this particular infraction again, and how we should treat our cats. She seems to understand. I try not to belabor the point. (For what child has not tried to dress up a cat or dog occasionally in doll clothes at least once?)

On my walk home from the bus stop, I begin to ponder how much this parallels many of my conversations with God. He speaks to me through His Word, or music, or a sermon, or a friend. I nod my head and say "Yes, Lord" or a quiet "Amen!" Many times, it does not filter past the initial response of my mouth. But when it does reach the deep places of my heart, I am startled into awareness that He wants me to DO something with what I've just heard.

"What did you say, Lord?... Yes, Lord!" (And this time, I mean it.)

It's not that I mean to brush off my children or husband, a friend or a neighbor, or my Lord. I know that these relationships (earthly and heavenly ones) matter, that they take time and energy and, yes, attention. When I am jolted out of my preoccupation and self-absorption to responsiveness and obedience, I am showing that I have put things back in their proper perspective in my life.

I pray He will continue to get my attention and recapture all of my heart...

From our home to yours...