Don’t Shoot the Messenger
“You put pressure on the situation when you try to get too much out of it. Just enjoy what we have because we have so much.”
These were the words out of my youngest’s mouth as we returned home from the mountains over Christmas break. Yes, we had had some really fun moments. (In the dark, Greg pulled our 15 & 18 year old girls around on a sled in the dark like the were 5 & 8). We had also had some very tense moments when the cloud of frustration dampened an entire day.
Now, on the drive home, my girl was giving me words of wisdom that I really needed to hear.
Be thankful.
Lighten up.
I admit. When she first started talking, I heard voices of another generation speaking in my head,:
“Don’t talk to me like that.”
“I’m your parent; I tell you what to do.”
Yet, as I listened to the words of my child, they were truthful words, spoken in respect. It didn’t matter who the messenger was, I needed to hear the message.
I’m always glad to know when I am not alone. This morning I read of Balaam; that prophet found in Numbers 22:21 – 38 who also had trouble listening to an unexpected messenger. Big difference. His was a donkey; mine was a daughter.
Either way, God makes it clear in His word, He can use anyone…or anything for that matter. The question is: will I be willing to listen to anyone or anything He chooses to use?
Today, let’s be willing to listen to whoever and however God wants to speak to us. It may take some humility on our part, but any amount of pride laid down will be worth hearing what our Lord has to say!
My friend, Erin Bishop, has recently learned a lesson from her child too! You can read, Then What She Said Broke My Heart by going to The Whatever Girls.
Have you ever learned a lesson from your child? I’d love to hear about it! Please share in ‘”comments” below.
Lynn, this is good. Isn’t it amazing how much we can learn from our kids if we listen? I think our girls are kindred spirits. 🙂
They sure are 🙂
Oh my girls are always speaking truth to me. And I so get the Christmas break stuff. I love our time together, but we’re not used to it anymore. Only one of my four girls lives at home. So there’s territorialism, rivalry, stress that can really bum me out.
The other day, my oldest said to me, “Wow. You have something to say about everything…”
“Really?” I asked a bit shocked!
“Yes…I do too. But you have something to say about everything dad does.”
Gulp…that didn’t feel too good. But it stuck with me. And I’m watching my words. I don’t want to have something to say, at least out loud, about everything!!
I’ve heard those words, “lighten up and be thankful,” from both my kids. It irritates and hurts because I never would have gotten by with that with MY MOTHER.
The lesson I’ve learned was to take what I hear or feel to God. He shows me if there is truth in what I’ve heard.
And in my case there usually is a whole lot of truth behind what they say!
I am very blessed in the even though it sounds harsh in black and white, my girl was very respectful and really just wants the best for our family 🙂
Those black and white kids are very practical with their tutoring. They also are wanting a good family for themselves. =)
“You put pressure on the situation when you try to get too much out of it” – that explains it perfectly! You just enabled me to wrap my brain around “lighten up” but not letting go!
Friend, sometimes I get so wrapped up in trying to make the most of each situation, I forget to get live and enjoy what happens!