"DEAR GOD!!!"

Marleigh has been really interested in the Bible and asking many questions about God lately.

A couple of  nights ago, we were getting ready for bed and Marleigh began her prayer yelling, "DEAR GOD!!!", at the top of her lungs.  I immediately stopped her and told her to use her indoor voice.  She gave me a funny look and informed me that God lived way up in Heaven, and she wanted to make sure that He heard her.  I couldn't help but smile.  We discussed that God is everywhere and even in our hearts.  She stopped talking for a  little bit and I could tell she was thinking.  "Maybe I should still yell, just to make sure I have His attention?"  So then I explained that He is always listening, no matter what, and that she would always have His attention.  Being the little thinker that she is, she quickly piped up, "But how does He listen to everyone all at once?"  

Last night, Marleigh asked me what God looked like.  I turned it back around to her and asked what she thought He looked like.  She thought for a moment, then replied, "Well, I bet He is pretty tall.  I think He has brown hair and brown eyes.  His teeth are really white.  God probably wears a shiny gold jacket.  His skin is probably a dark brownish orange, not red like Daddy's."  (It was a little hard to keep my composure.  Sorry, Daddy, you are a bit of a red. ;) )  "And since He has to listen to EVERYBODY, I bet his ears are REALLY big!"  She was so serious and sincere.  It was priceless.  

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While I'm not sure He has really big ears, I know He hears each and everyone of us. He is never too busy, and I always have His undivided attention.  But do I always hear Him?  At times, I know I am not paying attention.  Distracted by the business of work, housework, children, social media, television.  I wonder how often He has to yell at me before I really pay attention to what He is trying to say to me?  Or what about Marleigh and Kade?  Am I an attentive mother to them?  There are times, the kids yell "Mom!"  at least two or three times before I hear them.  And when I hear them, am I really listening to them?  I need to be more intentional and attentive with them, as well.  Sometimes, little reminders are good.  Reminders like the one Marleigh has given me.  I need to make sure I focus on the important things.  I need to be more conscientious as both a Christian and a parent.  After all, it is hard to teach my children to quiet themselves and really listen to what God says to them, if I don't do it myself.