Listening

Someone mentioned this morning that many parents use baby sign language with their young toddlers before they can talk. We did. Lil Miss was using signs for more, please, thank you, yes, no and a few others before she started talking. She still uses the signs for please and thank you, although we tell her to use her words also now.

I made the comment that when you are a parent or work with young children, it is very obvious that young children, from the time they are infants well into their early school years understand the world around them more than their vocabulary reflects.

The following verse came to mind:

"At that time the disciples came up and asked Jesus, Who then is [really] the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives and accepts and welcomes one little child like this for My sake and in My name receives and accepts and welcomes Me."
Matthew 18:1-5

I started thinking about how children learn to speak...

They learn by listening...

And watching...

Children, by nature, are curious, teachable, and humble. Children are born with a simple faith and trust in their caregivers.

Jesus' words and actions show how much he values children. "unless [I] become as a little child" I will not enter the kingdom of God.

I started thinking this morning that one aspect of becoming like a child that I take for granted is listening. Just as my daughter learns from listening and watching the world around her, I learn more about the nature and character of God by listening to Him. Really listening to Him and His word.

And just as my daughter doesn't always have the words to tell us what she needs, wants, or feels, there are times that I don't have the words to express my needs, wants, or feelings to my Heavenly Daddy. Countless times, I have started praying or worshiping my God only to be at a loss for words of His goodness, His mercy, His love, His (fill in the blank). Or times when my problems and the mess in my world seems to be beyond my words to describe to Him.

I have found myself often thinking "Wouldn't it be great if I could read her mind." when my little girl and I are both frustrated that I don't understand what she is asking for.

Thankfully, our Heavenly Father knows our hearts. Even when we don't have the words to express our thoughts, needs, or feelings...he knows our hearts and our needs. All we need to do is come to Him as a child: listen and trust with simple faith.