Wednesday, January 13, 2016

SABRINA

From the time our daughter Angela was not much more than an infant, until this very day, when she is talking to you, she wants you to stop what you are doing and look directly into her eyes. I have many times been accused, “you’re not listening to me!” For a person that multi-tasks, stopping for that one on one moment is a difficult, if not frustrating situation to be in. 

Many times, however, Angela is probably correct in her analogy of the moment.  I may have heard every word, but was I really listening?
Hearing is hearing sounds, listening is hearing feelings.  Jesus once complained, you have ears but you don’t hear. We are told that many of the troubles in our most important day to day relationships are a result of this very problem. “Listening is wanting to hear.”
Remember this as you go through the day today with your children, your spouse, and your co-workers. Also remember that we serve a God who listens, a God WANTS to hear our deepest hurts, our joys. A God who hears our hearts and cares deeply.  Let us do the same for those closest to us!

But as we continue
our walk, our lives are
no less grace filled.

It is only by God’s all-
empowering grace
that we are able to be the people God would
have us to be.

It is only by God’s all-
encompassing grace
that we are able to
reach others for
Christ.

And it is only by
God’s re-redeeming
grace that our
spiritual lives can be
refreshed when our
faith seems small and
dry.

And so, along with
John Newton, I can
sing of God’s
amazing grace
saving a wretch like
me.

And I can also sing
with songwriter Keith
Green “O Lord,
You’re beautiful, Your
face is all I seek, For
when Your eyes are
on this child, Your
grace abounds to me.