April 21, 2012

A Personal Challenge


My friend shared this quote with me a few days ago and I've tried to keep it in mind since.

Listening.


It is such a simple thing. Yet. It can be a challenge.
So many things compete for your attention.
Things that need to be done.
Things you want to do.
Voices everywhere. From your spouse. From the television, the computer, the radio, your internal monologue. Even books are excellent at grabbing attention.
We practice tuning things out in order to concentrate on the priority.
So. My challenge must be to make people and especially my family my top priority.

It seems obvious.
But in the moment when a show is at its climax, when a book has sucked me in to the drama, or a blog post is in progress ... an ant, play dough, or a candle just don't seem as important. And, really, that stuff isn't; however, my child is. My husband is.
People are what matter. And they share themselves in little ways.

My personal challenge:
Listen. Make eye contact. Engage and respond.
I want my family to know that they are important to me.