We Hear What We Want To Hear

We are so bad at listening.

We are so GOOD at hearing what we WANT to hear.

I see it in myself, and I observe it in those I love; who I long to see make different decisions for themselves and their lives.

It may be a podcast. A church sermon. A “self-help” book. Whatever it is, we tend to BYPASS what doesn’t work for us. We tend to internally say to ourselves, “That’s not the answer I’m looking for” and fly right over the very thing we may need to hear the most.

What if we opened ourselves up to hearing what we may not WANT to hear?

What if, when we need to make a decision - we allow ourselves to consider a change in course, attitude, or action? What if we say to ourselves, “I’m actually going to consider the advice I’m usually against?”

What then?

Do you think, that maybe, just maybe, it might motivate or encourage you in some new, fantastic way?

It might.

There is, of course, the possibility, that it might not. But what is the harm in listening?

To me, there is greater harm in not listening. In not being open. In not wanting to do the HARD THING.

Our ears are so selective. Our brains so closed off, at times. It may not be that life is always hard for us, no one understands, or we’re not good enough; it may be, that we don’t accept or listen to wise advice, counsel, or differing thoughts and opinions. And THAT’S why life seems hard or that no one understands us.

It MAY be, that we don’t consider taking a different path, because we’re so comfortable on the stony one we’ve always been on!

I challenge you (along with myself) to consider, and open yourself up to listening to what we don’t want to hear.  Ponder that advice. Really weigh it in your heart. Be daring - and maybe, even, try it!

But when you open your heart and soul up…. When you invite your mind to entertain other options, and ideas? That can be the key to everything for you. 

An open and willing heart, often becomes a grateful heart. And a grateful heart, is a willing heart. A willing heart? A willing heart tries to consider wise advice.

We don’t know it all. No one does. So it’s important to filter who and what you listen to. But in that process, DO listen. Don’t skim right over an offer of advice, or an answer that “doesn’t work” with where you are emotionally at the moment.

Open yourself up to hearing what you may not want to hear. And give yourself permission to consider the fact, that sometimes we are wrong, where others may just know better than we do.

Give it a try. If you need direction - need help - need advice or wisdom - give it a try. Pray over it - but don’t skim over it.

That tip you may not want to acknowledge? May just be the thing you need.

When You Feel Like a Target

There are times where I feel like Satan is just really after me and my family.

I feel like we’re a target.

Ever feel that way?

You have thing after thing go wrong…. Your emotions are raw…. And it’s not even just spiritual. I’ve felt sometimes that he’s even after my PHYSICAL blood. I have near-misses and moments during these times, where I’m shedding physical blood - even if it’s only drops.

And we feel this way, because it’s true.

Satan is indeed after us. He’s after our families.

I know at times, I want to shrink back and disappear. I don’t want the devil to even know I exist.

But I’m learning that I’m much safer sealed in God’s protection and blood; fighting as His warrior - than I am hiding in lukewarm apathy.

Satan will come after us one way or another. Do you not think he sees your potential even when you don’t?

I can pretend all I want that I’m not in a spiritual battle. But I am.

I can feel weak, unworthy, emotional, and so incapable of handling all that is thrown at me. But it doesn’t change the fact that it will… indeed… get thrown at me.

These times draw me ever closer to the One who IS capable. To the One who IS worthy and strong. To the One who CAN protect me, grow me, strengthen me, and teach me.

They draw me in to the One who CAN hide me and shelter me with His ever-loving hands.

And that’s the only place I really want to be in.

So, when my family feels like a target - I am learning to draw my sword. Sometimes I do it in weariness. Sometimes, I do it in tears. But I draw it. And I call satan out for who he is. I let him know I KNOW what’s going on. And he may get my emotions on some days, he may get my physical blood at times - but he will NEVER get me. And he will not get my family.

Because I’m a fighter.

Are you?

Value Other People's Time

One of the biggest ways we can show someone we value them, is to value their time.

When we show up late… we are saying we don’t value the time of someone who has to sit and wait for us.

When we fail to tell someone of a change in plans, we are also expressing, that we don’t value their time. For maybe they continue to show up to the original location? Maybe they rearranged their schedule just to be somewhere at that predestined time?

You don’t know. 

We don’t often know what someone else does with their time, unless they tell us. And when we assume that something is not a problem, or that they they should be able to arrive, BE AT, or take the time for something - we are misleading ourselves.

Time is a valuable commodity.

And TAKING time from someone else’s day, or life - is careless.

People invest TIME into planning events. So you may think it’s “no big deal” that you can’t make it or don’t end up wanting to go… but it might matter a lot to the person who planned the event.

People invest TIME into their jobs. So when you fail to cancel an appointment, it may cost them money. For if they’d known you wouldn’t be there? They would have been able to schedule someone else. Instead, you not only stole their time, but you stole them income.

Time.

It’s not just OUR time. Our time often affects those around us, by how we conduct ourselves, and follow-through with our word.

And its says a huge amount about our character and the kind of people we are.

Think about how you invest your time. How you show others you value them, by taking advantage of THEIR time.  And try to change your habits. Try to change your patterns.

I know that none of us want any of our time stolen or taken away.  So don’t take it away from anyone else, either. 

Be where you say you will be, WHEN you say you will be there. Or give plenty of notice of a change in circumstances.

And learn how to feel good about living a life of integrity and showing value not just to others… but to yourself.. in keeping your word.