I Hope They Were Listening

Having grown children is a surreal experience. You see them as adults who are married, have children, jobs and lives of their own. Yet, you still have memories and feelings that they are your kids who need and (sometimes) want your help and guidance. At times it can be a challenging journey to redefine relationships in life, especially when it comes to our children.

As they were growing up, both Lovel and I tried to teach our kids basic life skills. The ability to successfully perform everyday tasks like: washing dishes, mowing the grass, changing a tire, reading a map and other skills that, we felt, were necessary for them to possess once they reached adulthood. Ethan and Madeline still love to tell stories about one of Mom's famous "teachable moments" or my "family meetings" that brought dread to both their hearts! As young parents, Lovel and I purposely tried to equip our kids to handle the daily stresses that awaited them. Unfortunately, I am not sure all of our teachable moments landed.

I am by no means a handyman. However, contrary to popular belief, I can fix things around the house without too much destruction or frustration (most of the time :-). While he was young, I made it a point to include Ethan in these little projects hoping he would pick up on how to do the basics. It was apparent from the very beginning that he had zero interest in learning or performing any type of home improvement or do it yourself projects. Now, as a husband, father and homeowner I get the feeling that he maybe is regretting that just a little bit.

Like our relationship with earthly fathers, we also sometimes fail to listen to our Heavenly Father. Lovingly, God will attempt to instruct us, show us what to do and want us to learn for our own benefit. But, for whatever reason we have no interest or desire and think "I really don't need to listen. This isn't going to help me at all". The Book of Proverbs is written from the perspective of a father giving his son advice. In the first chapter (verses 2-3) it tells us that this book is for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understand words of insight. For receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair.

Later in chapter 1, the writer tells us about how wisdom can sometimes rebuke us when we refuse to listen. Beginning in verse 22, we see what happens when we refuse to listen and disregard advice from a loving father (parent). When we read further, we find out that they will eat the fruits of their ways. Just because my children may not have listened to my instruction does not mean I do not love them. God feels the same way about you and me. In that same love, He hopes that you are listening...

Pastor Aaron