One of the greatest gifts we can give to another is the gift of listening. I feel so special when my husband says, “Tell me about your day, sweetheart. What was the best part?” And to see him put aside the newspaper, or the computer, and just sit and listen to me warms my heart. No, ladies, it doesn’t happen every single day, certainly often enough that I can say I am blessed to receive. Oh, you know the kind of listening…. the leaning in, connecting, heart warming, “in the moment with you”, “I get you” kind of listening that takes all of our senses to give to another.

When was the last time you offered this gift to your spouse, child, friend or even the person sitting next to you in school, or class? When was the last time you received this gift? Share your stories with us … Where were you? Were you the receiver or giver? How did you feel as the giver, and if you were the receiver, how did you feel?

And, our children, oh how they are in tune to when we are really listening to them. Yes, moms and dads, they know if you are flipping thru the channels on the remote, or watching the news, washing dishes.

So for those reading this, I hope you will gift the gift tonight to your spouse, or children, or friend.