Quality Time for Reflection

January is going by so fast for me this year. Some people tell me this is a slow month for them, I can not say that is the case for me at all. After the first of the year, the days almost blur into each other. I am finding it more important than ever to journal on a daily basis so I can recall the fullness of my days. I find I fill my days with less crap and enjoy spending it with my family. I take the time to listen to my children’s conversations and watch them as they do their homework with my husband. How often do we take the time to simply listen to what people are saying? Seriously?

I have been accused of not really listening to what someone is saying to me; interpreting their words to mean something else. In my past, yes, I have been known to do this. Now, this is not the case. I love stories and some of the best stories are those that people tell you about themselves. I do try to listen with a compassionate ear, because I know it is not easy for everyone to express themselves verbally. This is in no way a fault. When you think about a newborn, they can not express love to you verbally from birth, but if you pay attention, you notice the way they curl into your body when they sleep and the soft sigh they let out when they know they are safe. The non-verbal way people express love is just as important as the verbal. The fact that love is being expressed at all says a lot.

I pray I am always open to being able to recognize all forms of expressed love. I also pray that I continue to grow as a good listener and that my listening ear will always be received.