Are you too busy to listen?

Looking out the window above the kitchen sink my mind wandered as I hurried to get the dishes done. The day had been long and difficult. My son’s voice broke the silence with, “Mom, look at what I made.” “Uh huh, that’s great,” I mumbled. “Mom, you didn’t even turn your head to look at me. How do you know it’s great?” You see, even at his young age, he knew the importance of eye contact and focus while listening. I heard his voice, responded in a non-committal way and yet I wasn’t truly listening to him. My son taught me a valuable lesson over 25 years ago that has served me well over the years.