Daily Delight

“You’re just not listening!” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard these words. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said these words. Maybe you hear them as much as I do.We can get so caught up in our own agendas and our own worlds that we fail to be present with the people that matter. Sometimes we even create a false presence: we believe we are being present when we take the kids to soccer practice or meet a friend for coffee, or maybe even attending a family dinner. But as your child yells at you from the backseat for the umpteenth time to look at the ladybug on the side window, how do you react? When your friend is sharing the problems she’s having at work (the same problem she told you about last week), are you looking at her or are you looking at your phone wondering if anyone “liked” - your latest post? Do you glance at your watch during family dinners wondering if there’s still time to watch The Bachelor before bed?How about when we spend time with God? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked, “God, are You listening?” But then I stop and wonder . . . Is God asking the same thing of me? Am I being fully present, focusing on Him and our relationship alone? Am I that kid in the backseat yelling “Look at this! Are we there yet? Why can’t I have it? Why not?!?” Or am I thinking about all the things on my to-do list?Friends, our children call us near. Our friends call us near. Our Father calls us near.

“…Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live….” (Isaiah 55:2-3, NIV)

Let us be present, friends-- truly present-- to the ones we love. Let us be present with the ones God calls us to love. Let us hear those calling to us and listen with our ears and hearts. Let us listen for the Lord who comes knocking at the doors of our hearts; let us hear His voice and sit with Him and eat with Him and be with Him. (Revelation 3:20, NIV)

About the Author

Jennifer Tanaka

Jenn is currently enjoying navigating the path as a mom of three with her husband of fifteen years. Born and raised in Honolulu, HI, she still resides in her home state, discovering and sharing the beauty of her Heavenly Father through writing and photography.

In the last two years, Jenn has been following her calling to write for women who, like her, are yearning to draw closer to Jesus. Leaving her full-time position in education, she now enjoys spending more time with her family and serving the women in her local and online communities.