Just one word

I'm new to naming a year. But I like the idea. 

One word that can direct you. Guide you. Demonstrate your intentions. A murmur that can effect your choices during the year.

There are so many words I pondered...nourish, joy, gratitude, generosity... But I kept coming back to the same one.

Listen.

I don't hear everything my boys are saying to me. I don't engage them like I should because I'm distracted by what time I need to leave for soccer, who has library tomorrow and whether boy 1, 2, 3, or 4 finished A, B, C, or D. I have become an expert at providing the right responses so that I give the appearance of listening. I'm really, really good at it.

I want to hear these future men. Really get alongside their little minds and understand them. Because it's fascinating, and right, but especially because it is a privilege. And one that will quickly pass. I'm not sure how many months or years my 11 year old will still want to tell me everything, as he does now. But I do know if I keep going without altering my habits, I will completely miss it. 

And my wonderful groom. I could listen better to him too. Too frequently I respond in the same way. Not fully absorbed in his day, his thoughts, his life. More distraction. More lack lustre effort. Over time a lack of attention can weary any relationship. Continuing to build this wonderful marriage demands my deliberate investment.

Then there is the one that matters most. Listening to the creator of the universe. Because given He is choosing to communicate, why why why do we fail to converse? I love to read the bible. Love it. It is where I hear from Him. Often, loud and clear. But it is dangerous to hear and not to live it. For the whispers to pass, only to discard them. 

While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Jeremiah 7:13

I want my ears to be so attentive that I don't miss anything. Because all of it is good. All is meant to change me into the person I was destined to be. If He is interested enough to speak to me about the words I speak and the choices I make, it would be mad to not just hear, but really listen. To the encouragements, the rebukes. And respond.

He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen, like one being taught. Isaiah 50:46

What about you? What will the name of your year be?

Giving thanks:

• Trampoline fun during a tropical storm.
• Laughing hard whilst holding my boys' hands, as they ice skate for the first time.
• A heart on my coffee from one of my boys.
• The privilege of a last night together with friends, before they returned to Australia.
• Watching storms.
• Tears from my little one, sad about farewelling friends.
• Seeing an adult (not kids' ) movie with friends.
• My eldest whistling 'Advance Australia Fair' as he plays tennis.
• Sunshine! Not common in Jakarta.
• Haighs chocolates from my thoughtful cousin - tastes like home!