Saturday Morning Scriptures and Stuff ... "Listening"

 "Listening means an unhurried time when God really can have a chance to imprint His thoughts in your mind."  

I know that I'm not the best sometimes at "listening".  Not to God.  Not to my husband, children or friends.   "Did you just hear what I said?", is a common question that I'm ashamed to admit my husband or son asks me way too frequently.   There are 2 things that prevent me from being a good listener.

1.  I'm too busy talking, sharing MY side of the situation to really hear what THEY are trying to tell me.

2.  I'm too distracted by something that I think is more important for me to focus on at the moment, so I don't turn my attention completely to the person who is standing before me trying to have a conversation.

I'm ashamed to say that I can't even begin to count the times I've made my son stand before me, waiting to talk to me while I finished composing an email that I felt the need to prioritize before whatever he needed from me at the moment.

I'm embarrassed to admit how many times my husband has had to answer the question "So, what are you doing tomorrow?" more than once because the first time I asked him, I didn't even listen to his answer.  Maybe I got distracted by something on tv, or a funny email that just showed up on my laptop, or a text message from a friend.  So I initialize a conversation by asking him the question, "So honey, what are you doing tomorrow?", then I DON'T EVEN LISTEN TO HIS ANSWER.  That leaves me having to ask him the question again, which usually begins with him shooting me a dirty look and saying "I just TOLD you what I'm doing tomorrow.  You weren't listening again, were you?"

How many times do I do that with God?  Oh-boy.  
Here's an excerpt from one of my devotional readings this week:

      "How can we know God's will if we don't listen?  If we dedicate time to God each day, interesting results are possible, almost certain.  When we first awaken, for instance, if we turn our attention to God and even if we experience nothing but God's presence, we will start the day right.   
      Some days, if we listen, thoughts will come to us of what God want us to do.  Some days it may be just a sense of peace and rest.  Or it could be a need to get advice from a friend, or to help someone in need.  It takes practice, but if we keep listening, we'll be able to distinguish God's voice from the chattering voice of our own ego."

So... anyone else have trouble listening?   I just CAN'T be the only one struggling with this, right??

How do YOU listen?    When do you feel like it's the best time for you to "hear" God?   Do you do something to prepare to listen?    Do tell... I'm all ears.  :-)