Dear Friends,

Before the school year began our family spent a few days camping. With our campsite nestled along the water, we delighted in eating outside to the sound of lapping waves, herons searching for food, and the gentle hum of insects. Charlotte and Isaac’s laughter filled our days, too. The kids got walkie talkies (verdict is still out on whether this was a good idea or not). They couldn’t quite figure out how to hold the button and talk at the same time so they took turns yelling at each other with the walkie talkie next to their mouth: “I can hear you.”

Over and over again they’d go back and forth: “I can hear you.”  Obviously, they could hear each other, but they weren’t listening for the other’s voice or hearing them in the walkie talkie. They simply enjoyed saying, “I can hear you.” 

The first couple of times they ran off to hide behind trees or sneak away in the camper to “talk,” I laughed and smiled as they kept “hearing” one another. But I also couldn’t help but wonder if this is how so many of us are connecting today. There’s a lot of information and noise and opinions and worry and uncertainty vying for our attention and weighing down our hearts. It’s hard to hear one another, it’s hard to listen. I wonder how often I really hear someone. Do I listen?

I want to listen to others. I want to keep my heart open to the diversity of thoughts and opinions around me. So I decided to invite others to listen and pray with me. A few weeks before school began I was inspired to invite mothers to join me at the park for a time of prayer. 

I said a prayer and put a quick post on FB: Next Tuesday for the first day of school I’d love to gather for a time of prayer (as well as conversation and joy). The year is already starting with grief and the uncertainty of another year of COVID, and countless other things that are on our hearts.

I wanted to listen to the voices of others. I wanted to hear the prayers and joys of God’s people.

After dropping Charlotte off at school on the first day, I walked to the park and met a group of mothers. Mothers with tears in their eyes after drop off. Mothers relieved that school is in session. Mothers dressed in scrubs heading to work. Mothers with younger kids eager to be outside. We made our way to the picnic tables and one by one we shared our joys, concerns, worries, and hopes. Each word a prayer lifted up. Each mother offered their words in community, trusting they were being heard and held.

We listened. We heard one another.

Our joys and fears were different. Yet, all of our words were wrapped in the love we have for our children, and the gratitude we have for the school and teachers. Throughout the morning I listened and gave thanks for the nudge to gather with others in prayer.

I still don’t know what the year will bring. There’s so much uncertainty and so many opinions on what should be done. Yet, I know that starting the year in prayer, with an open heart and hands postured in welcome, I feel lighter. A bit more hopeful. And ready to keep listening.

Is there something you’ve felt compelled to do or try? Listen to the spirit at work. Listen to others around you. I’d love to hear from you. I’m giving thanks to the God who hears our prayers and answers us when we call. 

With gratitude, 
Kim