The Weekly Encourager – June 16, 2012 – A Father Who Listens

Marlo Thomas enjoyed a special relationship with her father, Danny Thomas. She said, “One thing stands out for me as the North Star of parenting – and it's something that transcends time and generations: the art of listening.

“My dad wasn't perfect, but he had the laserlike ability to shut out the noisy world around him and listen to my sister and brother and me. To our worries. Our thoughts. Our feelings. Even when he was on the road with his act, Dad called nightly to check in. And whether I was reading him a book report or confiding my school-day fears, I felt safe knowing he was there, listening.

“If there is one vital thing from my childhood that has carried over into my adult life, it is my parents' assurance that what I felt mattered. Even today, when I take the risk of putting forth an opinion held by few others, I know that my confidence comes from having been truly heard as a child.”

It sounds like this woman's father cared about her and listened to her as if she were the only person on earth. How about your dad? Whether or not we had a father like that, we do have a Heavenly Father who is even better than the best earthly father could be. The Lord God whom, through Christ, we can call “Abba” or “Daddy” listens to every word we say. He knows what we need before we even ask. Although He created worlds within worlds, He is never distracted by anything, but is capable of giving each of us all the attention we need at any given moment. We don't have to wait for a nightly phone call, because the Lord is always near to those who call on Him in truth. It's up to us to check in with Him on a regular basis, reading His word, meditating on His character, and speaking to Him in prayer.

If we take advantage of God's listening ear, whatever our age, we will go forth in life with the confidence that comes from knowing that we've been truly heard. We will be able to stand firm in the face of temptation or persecution. We will feel safe no matter what happens to us. We will speak the gospel, live out the gospel, serve the gospel, rejoice in the fruit of the gospel. How grateful we should be for a Father who listens!

God is faithful,

j

Quotation from “Make Room for Listening” by Marlo Thomas in AARP Magazine, June/July 2012, p. 59.