Finding the Balance

Balance in family life is supported by attentive and reflective listening. Misunderstandings often stem from not listening fully to each other.

Winnie the Pooh often gets in these everyday muddles. One example is when Christopher Robin leaves a note for Winnie the Pooh that says, “Gone out, busy. Back Soon. C.R.” and poor Pooh gets confused and thinks a monster named ‘Backsoon” has taken his dear friend away. Pooh goes on to alarm everyone else and together they imagine a large purple scary monster named Backsoon has abducted Christopher.

---

So often I misunderstand what my children, husband, and extended family really need from me. I lung forward and try to fix something that they do not want me to fix. Or I get impatient with an ongoing issue that needs me slow down and offer understanding. I sometimes feel like Winnie the Pooh causing more problems.

Balance is not about being perfect, instead it results from focused listening with our total self to what is really going on. As we listen we make the needed micro movements so we do not fall. Likewise, relationships in our families thrive in environments where everyone senses they are given the dignity of attentive listening. 

Jesus was an incredibly attentive listener to human kind. He demonstrates this through the teachings that drive us, over 2000 years later, to reflect on core issues, instead of surface concerns. Jesus taught us that God is listening deeply to the needs of human kind and responds with exactly what is needed. Resting in God always improves our relationships with others. Make a plan to rest with God on a walk, over a cup of coffee, journaling, prayer, truly any reflective moment God can do a lot with to support your listening to yourself and others.

When we love God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength and we will love others as ourselves.

With you on the journey,
Lisa+