Chatty Cathy to Listening Servant

Toddlers are incredibly inquisitive. As they observe their surroundings, their young minds are processing and attempting to understand the world around them. My two-and-a-half-year-old has recently entered a ‘why’ phase. She loves learning and has an intense need to know why and how things work. She will continue to ask the same question, forcing me to find various ways to respond until she is satisfied with my answer.

My toddler working in the garden.

“Why is the road bumpy?”

“Why are horses brown?”

“Why is that person going for a walk with their dog?”  

I do my best, but every once in a while, my response is, "I'm sorry, I don’t know." At times she is content with that. Other times, it causes a cascade of other questions. And sometimes, she comes up with an answer on her own. She has an innate ability to solve problems, and so if a problem arises, she will negotiate in search of a solution. 

Mother: “This is the last book on our pile. After we finish reading it, we will turn off the light and go to sleep.”

Toddler: “How about we read this book too?!”

Mother: “Three more minutes outside and then we have to go in to make dinner.”

Toddler: “What if we swing for five more minutes?”

She isn’t being defiant or difficult on purpose; she is finding solutions. She is a toddler, and toddlers learn by testing boundaries and asking questions! 

Anyone who has raised a toddler would agree it requires a saintly level of patience. And some days, I simply don’t have it. After having to repeat myself over and over, I admit to feelings of frustration. It can feel like a never-ending battle, and I want to beg, “please just listen!”

In Luke 9:35 we hear the Lord say,“This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

Listen to him.

Easier said than done. 

How often do I show up to prayer like a Chatty Cathy? I pour out my heart by asking all my 'whys', laying out my intentions, and sharing with the Lord my self-proclaimed solutions.

I know I prioritize speaking over listening. I desire to be a better listener in general but especially when the Lord is trying to speak. What would it be like to clearly hear God's voice and without hesitation respond back, "Speak, for your servant is listening" instead of approaching God with "Listen Lord, for your servant is speaking."

The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel 3:10

Loving Father, give me ears to listen. Give me patience to wait with my own words so I may soak in the words spoken to me. Thank You for all the times I have heard and recognized Your voice. I pray for a deeper identification of Your words and inspirations. Give me an unshakable boldness to respond to You without hesitation. Speak, for your servant is listening.

Until next time, your sister in Christ,

Abby