Can you hear me now???

Some people are hard of hearing. I would have to say that I am "hard of listening." It's a confirmed disorder you know, and completely genetic! My dad has it. I have it. My son is showing signs of the problem. It's really quite a pandemic around here.

Case in point - A transcript of a recent conversation with my son:

"It's time for bed. Put your pajamas on. Fold your clothes and put them ON TOP OF THE DRESSER. Where are you supposed to put your clothes?"

"In the dresser?"

"No, put them ON TOP OF THE DRESSER! Now, what are you supposed to do?"

"Put my undies in the dirty laundry?"

"Excellent idea! But, what are you supposed to do with the rest of your clothes?"

"Put them in my dresser?"

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!" (At this point, the conversation ends and the paddy wagon arrives to cart me off to the loony bin! Ha, ha!)

I suppose it's only poetic justice that the good Lord gave me a child like this! I am notorious for "listening" with half an ear and my brain tied behind my back. I can't even count the number of times my husband has said, "I asked you about that last week. Don't you remember saying yes???" And he's absolutely right! I do it all the time. I'll be at the computer or in the kitchen, and either he or one of the children will be talking to me while I nod and mumble, "Oh, yes. Okay. Um hm."

The children love to take advantage of this! "Can we have some candy, Mama?"

"Oh yes. Okay. Um hm."

Then, off they trot with a bag of Tootsie Rolls! When I say, "What are doing with that candy?" They protest, "But you said, 'Yes,' Mama!" And they're right, I did say yes! Does "yes" count if you have half your brain tied behind your back?

The sad thing is that The Baby already knows about Mama's delicate condition. At the tender age of 22 months, he has already learned to take my face in his little hands and turn it until we are looking at each other, eye to eye. Somehow, he knows that if he can look me in the eyes,I'll be listening for sure. What a smart Baby!

Perhaps my "condition" is one of reasons I've always loved that old hymn ~ "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." More than anything, I know that I have to stop what I'm doing, put my face in the hands of Jesus, and LISTEN to the One calling my name. I want Jesus to get more than an, "Oh yes, okay, um hm" from me.

"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening! I can hear you NOW!"