Listening

I am not the greatest dad in the world, even though that is my goal. I have, however, learned quite a bit about being a dad from my kids.

I just recently came back from a father/daughter date that was awesome. I was able to hear my daughter tell me how important my opinion of her was. Talk about amazing.

As dads, we have such an important role to play in how our children view themselves. If we would only stop to listen to them talk, and I mean listen not wait for an opportunity to give our two bits, our kids would tell us exactly what they are needing from us.

My son just recently told his mom, my wife, that all he wants is a closer relationship with his dad. Needless to say that is now high on my priority list.

Our children look to us for guidance and unconditional love. They will feel that they can make it through anything if they believe that their parents will never reject them. If we truly listen to them, our kids will tell us everything that is going on in their lives in some form or fashion.

Are you willing to become the best listener your children will ever find? Are you willing to be the greatest servant they will ever meet? Strive to listen and to serve your children and they will always come back to you. That is what I have been learning recently.

With out a doubt, life is difficult at best, and sin offers our children a lot of escapes from what they are going through. Maybe, if we really listen and not judge, our children will look to us to teach them how to overcome their problems rather than just escape them.

God listens to His children cry out to Him. Then He comes in and gently lifts us back up, without scolding us. That is exactly what our children need from us.

Pray that God will give you ears to hear and eyes to see. Pray that your heart will be open to your children regardless of what is going on in their lives. Our children are not out to hurt us, they are looking for a place to belong.

Will they find that place with you?