Listening Ears

When was the last time you heard someone repeat something you said? It happened to me last night. While coaching my son's little league team, I told one of the other coaches that I thought we could win the game because we had more talent than our opponents. My son overheard my comment and, well, it got repeated a little differently than when I had said it. The next thing I knew, my son had gathered several of his teammates together and was telling them, "We will kill this team! My dad thinks they stink!"

After the proverbial, "Oops," I gathered my troops and gave them my best Lou Holtz impression. I told them that the opposing team could easily beat us if we were not careful. Eighteen runs later we walked away victorious.

So, what's my point? My point is that my son was listening to me. It may only happen once a week, but he was listening. Proverbs 4 is packed full of advice from a father to his children. "Follow my instruction," "Learn to be wise," "Develop good judgment," "Watch your mouth," "Guard your heart," and more!

At the time, I didn't want Caleb listening to my words, but as his father, I do want him listening carefully to what I have to say to him. I pray that the spiritual discipline my wife and I are trying to instill in him (and his siblings) will penetrate deep into his little heart. Then, God willing, at the appropriate time he will be able to pass it on to his children as well.

Today, may we all be diligent in teaching children things that are worthy of the Gospel of Christ.