John 14:23-24 – Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." (NIV)

The other night I was trying to get my son ready for bed. I had called him down several times to his room to get changed, but he did not respond. He was busy doing his own thing. Finally, I had to go and get him, and bring him to his room. I asked him why he did not listen to me when I was speaking to him. He conveniently avoided the situation by just looking around. I finally raised my voice and got his attention. I told him that when I ask him to do something, I expect it to be done, and that I do not appreciate his ignoring me when I speak to him. He apologized for not listening and I felt better.

As parents, sometimes it feels that we are talking to a wall when we speak to our children. They do not always acknowledge us, and they do not heed what we say all the time. As I think about my son, I also think about my relationship with my heavenly Father. He speaks to me but I do not always listen. I sometimes try to do things on my own, instead of waiting for him. I choose what I want to hear, instead of listening totally to him. I do not always obey his teachings even though I say I love him. I guess the good news is that as I have matured in my faith, my hearing has become more keen to hear what he is saying to me. I listen more now and do obey more, but I still have room for improvement.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we say that we love you, yet we do not obey your teachings. We do not listen to what you are saying to us. We pray that our ears and hearts are open to your word, and that we will truly listen to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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