I heard the words as they were coming out of my mouth… how couldn’t they?
Would you please fold up the blankets?
Please fold the blankets and put them on the couch…
Have you folded the blankets? Please take care of them!
This was my evening.
I recently gave my family one of those 20 question ‘quizzes’ that a friend had posted on Facebook. One of the questions was, “What is something I say a lot?” I got three different answers.
“My name.” ~ Eliana
“I love you.” ~ Spencer
“Please.” ~ Brad
I haven’t started a running total since then, but I would imagine all three responses are definite possibilities. Honestly, I hope ‘I love you‘ comes out on top, but I’m not sure. The really funny thing is, I never realized I said, ‘please,’ that often. Now, I hear it all the time!
I honestly don’t think my kids are purposefully ignoring me, I just think they either
1. aren’t listening.
OR
2. they just don’t want to do it.
Either way, it turns out I do say, ‘please,’ a lot… (Good ear, Brad!)
How many times do I need to say the same thing over and over again to my kids? Then, I stopped in my tracks – How many times does God have to tell me the same thing over and over again?
I have to admit, I have never read the entire bible. I know many people who are currently using a reading plan that will help them accomplish this feat in a year. I think that is wonderful! I’m just not ready for that. There are still some pretty basic – for those of us just starting out – principles that I am still learning.
So, while I have not read the entire bible, I have become increasingly familiar with the first half of the new testament. Here is what I noticed as I read and reread these books.
I have had a listening problem…
When I was younger, I never reached for my bible when I was looking for something to read. I had looked at it as an old book with antiquated ideas that may or may not apply to me at worst, and a reference material at best. Boy, was I wrong! While studying with some friends, one of the first topics we discussed was how the bible was living. It made sense at the time, because I could see how it could be useful as a tool when I had questions about a situation or needed some help. But, then I realized there was much more to it than that.
It is how God communicates with me. So many times, I will read through a chapter or verse that I have read before. Almost every time, I notice something different than the time before. Something new impacts me that hadn’t in the past.
I recently read an article by Leighann McCoy that talks about this very thing. She explains it as God ‘speaking’ to you through the bible. McCoy suggests reading the bible for inspiration so “the words you read will jump off the pages of the book into your heart and mind.” I like that! If His Word is in my heart and mind, I know I am listening!
So, this does go back to me having a listening problem, but that’s not all.
I just didn’t want to do it…
Now, has God tried to tell me things in the past? Absolutely – I have no doubt. At first, I just wasn’t listening. I still remember having so many conversations with my Grandma about various things that would come up in my life. One of the most frustrating phrases that ever came out of her mouth was, “If it is God’s will.” Every time she said that, I just cringed!!! How was I supposed to know what God’s will was? And how did she – or I – know if I was following it? It’s so interesting how now I see all I had to do was read the bible, and I would find my answers…
Boy, did she pray for me. And I’m so grateful she did. I did a lot of things wrong, and not everything that happened was great – but it could have been a lot worse.
Looking back, it could have been a lot better, too. But, I just didn’t want to do it. I learned more about what God wanted from me from my Grandma, but I chose not to do it. Either it wasn’t as fun or is wasn’t as easy – so I didn’t do it.
What now?
I would like to say that as a baptized disciple I consistently follow His instructions and commandments to the letter. But, that wouldn’t be accurate. I’m still human and I have a sinful nature. But at least I’m trying. I am getting in the Word and listening to what He is telling me, and I am doing my best at trying to live my life the way He wants. I’m so very grateful He is patient and loving. So, the next time I hear my Grandma whisper in my head – If it is God’s will – I will listen and do as He asks.
What about you?
What’s your biggest challenge – listening or doing? What verses have really convicted or impacted you in these areas? I would love to hear about your struggles and how you work through them in your life and family. I look forward to hearing from you all!
