A simple statue that is entitled “Think Big” caught our attention the other day. We have walked by it lots of times, but never stopped to read the name. My youngest child and I took time to notice. She of course needed her picture taken with the statue. The picture is cute and the name is powerful. I want a picture with each of our kids to serve as a reminder to them to think big. Also, I want them to know that I want to hear their big ideas and the small ones too. It takes time and patience, but it has been my experience that they will keep talking as they get older if they have been heard while they were younger. Listening when they are younger can be quite entertaining too.

Our 7 year old came to me recently and said, “Mom, I have a million ideas.” I told him I wanted to hear each one and he said, “It will take all day.” We worked out a plan that he would tell me an idea a day. I will say they are pretty interesting. Some are big and some are small, but they are heard none the less. You never know, one of these million ideas just might launch him into a career someday.

I will confess, listening to my immediate family is much easier than those outside our home. We are all heard in this space, but outside seems to be a fight at times. Why the need to be heard anyway? When someone takes time to listen to me, it is like being given a gift. However, I have at times done a poor job of returning an available ear. I am changing that. I will also remind myself that God will listen anytime to what I have to say. He’s a great listener. Talk to Him yourself. Be sure to have ears that hear. So much noise, busyness, worries and the list is never-ending, can keep us from hearing Him. What has He said to you today?

The thing is, taking my ideas to Him is safe. Some ideas have played out and others have not. Some were not big enough and God stretched them. Some ideas were not the best for me. Some ideas needed the rescuing grace of Jesus to intervene. For that I am very thankful. Some ideas are still developing and take up space in my journal. Some ideas needed major destruction because they were not based on truth. Funny how we can get that wrong. Some ideas hurt my heart when I think of them and others make me smile. Some get outside encouragement and others are down right impossible. Some seem to come out of nowhere and others have been in my heart since I can remember. God knows each and every one.

My million idea boy just came to me to talk. He shared some thoughts and I asked questions. He said the most interesting thing. When I asked why he wasn’t afraid of something that is scary, he said, “Because I trust.” When did he get so wise? The idea of fear diminishes or never appears when trust is present. I would have hated to miss that.

So my encouragement to you today is think big. Take time to listen to others thoughts and ask questions too. People are fascinating and children have incredible imaginations! Share your big ideas with the Lord and listen to what He says regarding the idea. Maybe just maybe, He placed that idea inside of your head and heart for His glory and your good. It makes life pretty exciting!

“A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9