Hearing God - Steps 3 & 4:
Listen & "Listen Good"
 
When Alexa was about four, we were out running errands one day.  We had finished buying a few things at a small discount store and were leaving to finally go home.  When I looked down to make sure that my daughter was beside me as we crossed the street to the car, she wasn't there. 
 
            I turned around and saw her standing a few feet behind me at the door to the store's entrance.  She was waiting to open the door for an older woman who appeared to have a mild physical disability, for her walk across the parking lot was slow and labored.
 
            I watched my daughter as she patiently watched the woman coming toward her.  At just the right moment, Alexa pulled the heavy door open so that she could enter.  The lady thanked her and Alexa came toward me, beaming.  I, too, thanked her for her kindness and, to myself, marveled at the fact that she had anticipated a need and answered in true "What Would Jesus Do?" form.
 
The Bible says "He calls his own sheep by name" and also that "the sheep listen to His voice."  The passage in chapter ten of the Gospel of John goes on to say that His sheep will follow Him because they know His voice. 
 
In other words, the sheep, which already have a relationship with Him, are also already listening for Him to call them (by name, even) and give direction so that they may follow Him.
 
            How many times during our childhood did we hear, "You better listen, and listen good," only to sill have that stern warning go in one ear and out the other?  Like Alexa beginning at age four, we just have to remember to listen for God's whisper to our heart, and then obey it. 
 
Pray and trust; listen and listen good so that you will know and hear the voice of God.  How did I turn something so simple in to something so hard? 
 
My kids are the best teachers.  I'm so glad I am home schooled.