Listening Ears

Today has been one of those days. About 10:00 this morning, the thought occurred to me that I probably would have been better off to just stay in the bed. It was safer there as I lay sandwiched between two of my girls.

The morning began with a not-so-successful trip to the dentist. We were supposed to leave with sealants. Unfortunately, things didn't go so well. After about 30 minutes, we were back on I-40 heading back to work/school. To say that I was frustrated would be an understatement. I found myself trying to explain to Ellie the importance of learning to trust that we make decisions for her based on what we believe to be best for her. Not quite sure she "heard" what I was saying.

The day seemed to improve somewhat when my poster printer was moved to my temporary office and I was once again back in business at work. Then, there was car line. To make a long story short, there was some sort of incident on the playground today. Two girls accused Ellie of saying "mean words" to one of the girls. Ellie vehemently denied saying anything mean. They were all reprimanded and told to apologize. Then, as they all walked to car line, a little boy bumped into Ellie. She said, "Stop it" thinking he was pushing her. Ellie was reprimanded for fussing at him when it was only an accident, and then she burst into tears. It was not a red letter day.

After school, I took the girls and Blake to a friend's birthday party at our church. We walked in to find one of the girls from the playground incident attending the party. Everything went great; kids got a long great. It was a good party.

When we got in the car, Ellie looked at me. She said that she had apologized to the friend for what had happened today. She said that she hadn't done what she had been accused of doing, but she had yet to apologize for the situation. So, she did that at the party. She made sure I knew she wasn't guilty - she just needed to apologize. The friend forgave.

Apparently, Ellie has been listening. She's heard me the times I've told her that some times we have to take the higher ground and apologize even when we aren't at fault. She also heard when we've told her to be kind and do what is right.

I am so thankful that God allowed me to witness this today. I am so thankful that He gave me a daughter who LISTENS to Him, to His still small voice.