Did You Listen?

My teenage daughter Sarah was the only one home today. Everyone else was either working or playing. (It's March break here.)

While at work I began thinking of a couple of things that I could ask Sarah to do for me. She's home so I need to give her something to do, right? They were just little things; empty the dishwasher and fold the towels that are in the dryer. I phoned her up and after I asked how her morning was going, I heard it. The still small voice. "Don't ask her."

I listened. Oh, I don't always. Actually, I don't near enough. But today I did.

Instead of making my daughter feel as though I was only calling to give her some instructions she was able to feel that I was calling just because I love her. The conversation could have been received as a mom who just wanted her daughter to do some work. Instead, a daughter was able to hang up the phone only feeling loved.

My daughter works hard at her part-time job and school. She enjoys a break when she gets the house to herself. I told her to have fun.

Later in the afternoon I called her again. She informed me that she was having a great day. She had cranked up her music (the only one in the house that prefers country). She had watched some tv and......she had emptied the dishwasher. My daughter likes to do things for me, but just like me, she likes to do them without being asked. I'm so glad that I didn't ask her.

When I arrived home, I found out that a real estate agent had called to bring someone through our house. Sarah had ten minutes (which in actuality were only two) to make sure the house was ready for showing. Thankfully it was already clean (as is the requirement when there is a for sale sign in your front yard).

God gave Sarah the day that she needed and He gave me an opportunity to hear His voice. I'm thankful that I listened.

Rhonda Y
1 Kings 19:11-13