Are you listening?

Earlier tonight, my little said, with a heavy sigh, “Dad is not even listening to me!” I laughed and offered him my deepest condolences and understanding. (Imagine being his wife I thought)

But, are we listening though? Like on a broad, deeper level.

All the talk about school restarting, and masks and yadda yadda, got me wondering. What are the kids saying? What are they really thinking about all this mess? Have they grasped the depth of how our world has changed? Do they consider what it will be like for them if this becomes the norm as they enter into adolescence, teenage years and then adulthood? What are they saying?

Take time and ask. Like really sit down face to face and ask.

Some of you may not have a child old enough to know what’s up or is not cognitively aware of it all. Some of you may have non-verbal children that find it hard to explain their emotions. In any case friend, give them this reminder. Give all those kids these assurances…

They are valued and loved beyond measure. Overemphasize how special they are to your heart. Speak with grace and extend that beauty to their soul. Let them know that they are heard.

I want to listen. Don’t you?