Day 74: LISTEN
Mantra: I am an expert listener.
The Art of Listening: How to Hear Your Husband, Children, and Yourself
There once was a woman named Eve who longed to create a home filled with love, peace, and understanding. She knew that deep connection came not just from speaking but from truly listening. But listening, she realized, was an art—one that required patience, intention, and an open heart.
One evening, as she sat sipping tea, she prayed:
"Lord, help me listen—not just to words, but to the hearts of those I love. Teach me how to hear my husband’s unspoken needs, my children’s silent cries for attention, and even my own weary soul."
And just like that, she embarked on a journey of deep listening, learning how to tune in with love, grace, and wisdom.
1. Listening to Your Husband – Hearing His Heart Beyond His Words
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." – James 1:19
One night, Eve’s husband came home looking exhausted. He sighed as he sat down, rubbing his temples.
In the past, she might have jumped in with advice or brushed off his mood as just another stressful day. But this time, she remembered her prayer. Instead of assuming, she observed. She put her phone down, turned to him, and asked softly, "Love, what’s on your heart?"
At first, he shrugged, but she stayed present. She didn’t interrupt. She just listened with her whole being—nodding, giving reassuring touches, and allowing space for him to open up.
Eventually, he spoke. He shared his stress, his worries, and how he sometimes felt like he carried the weight of the world.
Eve realized that listening to her husband wasn’t about fixing his problems—it was about making him feel heard, understood, and supported.
➡️ How to Apply This:
Make eye contact when your husband speaks.
Ask open-ended questions: “How was your day?” instead of just “Was work good?”
Resist the urge to interrupt or offer solutions too quickly—just listen.
Show support with gentle touches and affirming words like “I appreciate all you do for us.”
2. Listening to Your Children – Hearing the Unspoken Cries for Love
"My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love." – 1 John 3:18
Eve’s son had been acting out lately—throwing tantrums, ignoring instructions, and seeming restless. At first, she was tempted to discipline him harshly. But then she paused and asked herself, "What is he really trying to tell me?"
She watched him closely and noticed something: he only acted out when she was busy and distracted.
One afternoon, instead of scolding him, she sat down, took his tiny hands in hers, and said, "Tell me what’s wrong, baby. I’m listening."
At first, he fidgeted, but eventually, his little voice whispered, "You’re always on your phone, Mommy."
Her heart broke. She had been hearing his noise, but she hadn’t been listening to his heart.
From that day forward, she made it a habit to give her children undivided attention, even if just for a few moments each day. She learned that kids don’t always say what they need outright—but their actions always tell the truth.
➡️ How to Apply This:
Get on your child’s level—kneel, hold their hands, and make eye contact when they speak.
Observe their behavior as communication—are they clingy, distant, or acting out?
Give them focused, undistracted time each day—even 10 minutes of deep connection means the world to them.
Reflect back what they say: “I hear that you’re feeling frustrated. Do you want to talk about it?”
3. Listening to Yourself – Hearing the Whispers of Your Own Soul
"Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10
One morning, Eve woke up feeling sleepier than usual. She had spent so much time enjoying pouring into others that she hadn’t taken a moment to listen to her own needs.
She asked herself, "What is my body saying? What is my heart longing for?"
In the stillness, she heard the answer:
Rest. To cuddle in a warm blanket with her Husband.
Joy. She needed to push her joyful limits further.
Peace. She was curious about making her sanctuary even more peaceful.
So, she made a sacred habit of checking in with herself daily. She journaled her ideas, took deep breaths, and asked herself, "How can I show myself more love today?"
She realized that a woman who listens to herself is a woman who can love others even better.
➡️ How to Apply This:
Take 5 minutes each morning to check in with yourself—How am I feeling? What do I need today?
Listen to your body—are you sleepy, tense, or overwhelmed? Honor those signals.
Set boundaries—say no to things that aren’t for you and yes to things that nourish your spirit.
Make time for stillness and prayer to hear God’s voice clearly.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Listening with Love
As Eve embraced the art of deep listening, she saw miracles unfold in her home:
✨ Her husband felt more valued and cherished.
✨ Her children became more open and joyful.
✨ She felt more at peace, deeply connected to herself and God.
She learned that true listening wasn’t just about ears—it was about the heart. It was a form of love, a way to honor the ones she cherished, and a path to a home filled with warmth and understanding.
And so, every day, she listened—with love, with grace, and with an open heart.
Reflection Questions:
When was the last time you truly listened to your husband or children without distractions?
How can you create more moments of intentional listening in your daily life?
What is your soul whispering to you right now? What does it need?
