Saturday, December 5, 2009

Voices





















I want lots of soft stuff to listen to and I want NICE. I haven't been out shopping. I haven't put up the Christmas tree yet. I'm enjoying sitting around listening. I like this happy song:
"O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
In the secret place of the steep pathway,
Let me see your form,
Let me hear your voice;
For your voice is sweet,
And your form is lovely." Song of Songs 2:14
Many years ago, as Bill and I were driving from the eastern side of Washington to the western side, we sang in the car. Bill sang this song to me. I like it for all kinds of reasons, but one reason in particular is this: I like nice voices. I like cheer. When my mother reads stories aloud, I get caught in the cadence of her words. When Bill prays, I hear sweet tenderness and humility. When Kelli says hello to me on the phone, I find her welcoming tones so musical. When Jenny laughs, my heart lifts. When Brad sings, I hear heavenly whispers. When Jeff comes in the door and says, "Hello, Mother," I feel all is well. Today my sister called to ask for prayer and her voice resonated with me. It's a voice I've known all my life. Today Birdie kept saying, "ta da!" Her tiny voice is so sweet.
One of my old friends from Spokane, Washington called me a few years ago to tell me her mother had died. She had a most wonderful mother who set an example of tireless giving and astounding servitude. She said, "I just want to talk to her one more time. I just want to hear her voice again." Have you noticed how much we love listeners? I think listeners "get" the whole voice thing. They know to wait in anticipation for the sound of the human voice. Last night, I stopped by Jenny's after school. I held baby Sam while Jenny ate and tidied up the house, took a bath, but mostly she sat on the sofa and talked and I loved hearing her thinking. It's fun to hear her discovering the truths one discovers when they enter the school of motherhood. I have a lot to learn about listening for someone who has so many favorite voices. I want to honor the voices in my days, enjoy them, focus and move in close to them. That's why I like to write things down. I like to save the voices. Funny, how I don't know what your voices sound like, but I still HEAR you. Your writing voices are so good, so true, so joyful. I like to read what you are thinking about, hear about your days, share in your creativity, acknowledge your presence in the world. Thank you for sharing your voice with me.

13 comments:

Kerri said...

Oh I just want to squeeze you, you're so adorable! Your family are so blessed to have someone as full of love and life as you are. I just wanted to say that you do make people feel acknowledged and I am a grateful receiver of that! Thanks so much for your comment on my blog, you really made my day!

debbie bailey said...

I know what you mean about listening to a daughter think out loud about motherhood. Isn't it gratifying when they begin to "see"? Now I'm waiting for my boys to "get it". I remember how much crow I ate after my first child was born. It'll be nice when they finally realize why I did certain things as their mother. But I'll just nod sagely while laughing on the inside!

Carol said...

What a lovely post. I love the statement 'save the voices'. I do believe that listening is a gift. In the busyness of life it is sometimes hard to listen, but your encouraging posts really brings a reminder of how much we can glean from simply listening.
Thanks and bless you.

Anonymous said...

Oh Pom Pom, what a beautiful post. It really touched my heart. Thank you dear friend. xx

Flavia Sunshine said...

Once again so so sweet. Just what i needed. Sometime i still find it difficult to get used to how hard a place this world can be, so i love to focus on the good, i need to feed my heart with lovely things, as Paul said in Philippians 4
'' 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.''
I really consider your thoughts as one of the lovely things i like to think about :)
Have a blessed week dear friend !

Flavia

Scrappy quilter said...

I have to agree, what a lovely post. I love how God touches your fingers to bring out these wonderful posts. Oh to listen... Hugs

SuKnitWitty said...

I enjoyed 'Listening' to you today! Even tho I've not heard your physical voice, I love hearing what you have to say. Thanks, my friend for the reminder to 'Listen' more with one's heart! I probably 'Talk' too much with my Texas accent...LOL!

Angela said...

I love hearing your voice too - and yes, it is amazing that we both had a 'voice' theme to our posts this weekend!
Advent blessings!

Andrea said...

Dear friend, I love this post!!! It has left me much to ponder. I will become a better listener, for I feel I am missing so much.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart and spirit.

We do not know when we will be back in our home. Perhaps in a couple of months. Until then, we are comfortable physically and learning spiritually.

Much love to you,

Andrea

Bradley W. Maston said...

Good stuff. Always a joy to read your blog!

Barbara said...

I like the snowmen candle holders and of course the 'bunnies' and new December baby. Congrats.

GretchenJoanna said...

That December baby is your grandchild? Congratulations!!
I love to think about what I like about different voices. I love my husband's voice, and remember my grandmother's warm voice....want to write about this topic, too, after I think more. Thank you for the inspiration!

The dB family said...

Such a beautiful post! I've never quite thought of voices in speaking tones as music, but you've made me realize it is. The words and laughter of those around me are truly is music to my ears.

Blessings!
Deborah

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