What a difference 24 minutes makes!
Several years ago, on the first anniversary of my mother’s passing, I was in one of her favorite places in the world – Manasota Key in Englewood, Florida. I’m not normally an early morning person, but, to honor her, I arose before sunrise to head to her favorite morning spot on a dock on the calm waters of Lemon Bay where she loved to sit and pray at sunrise. While waiting for sunrise, I opened up a little booklet she used to read called “Our Daily Bread“, which gives you a bible verse each day with a message. That day’s message, on Feb 3, was “Ears Were Made for Listening” and while I was reading the message, God’s beautiful sunrise was unfolding in front of me and I was in awe of the beauty of it as it lit up everything with a golden blush. I started taking photos to capture the gorgeous colors, and you can also appreciate that beauty by viewing the featured photo above taken that very morning.
But, within a few minutes the fog rolled in, and within 24 minutes it was all obscured, and I could only see just a few feet in front of me. Cloaked in fog, my sense of hearing was heightened, and I could hear so much more of what was around me. When I was no longer focused on watching the glorious sunrise, I was noticing things near to me in greater detail…the gently creak of docked boats, the cry of seagulls, the flap of a pelican’s wings.
My mom’s greatest gift was her love of talking with people…listening to them and really hearing their story. But, then she didn’t just file that information away in her mind, she would pray for them if they needed it, worry about them, or write them a card or note of encouragement, or bring them some flowers. She listened with a caring heart and then took action.
During this time between sunrise and fog setting in my dear friend Betsy came down to the dock, gave me a hug and shared her cup of coffee with me. Betsy quietly sat next to me and just let me know she cared and understood what this day meant to me.
I hope that I will always be that person… the one who sits with a hurting friend, one who listens without judging, one who willing takes another person’s cares and burdens upon me, taking action by praying for them and letting them know they are loved by God. And by doing so, I hope to honor the memory and legacy of my mother, Mary Ann Seidel (January 1, 1932 – February 3, 2018)
I invite you to read Our Daily Bread from Sunday, Feb 3, 2019 – Ears Were Made for Listening >> https://www.odbm.org/devotionals/devotional-category/ears-were-made-for-listening

Mom and I on the beach on Manasota Key, her favorite place to be at sunset!
Therese, absolutely beautiful tribute to your mother and more. You are beautiful inspiring lady! Big Hugs!
Thank you Lori! Nice to hear from you!
Holy smokes! What a powerful story! It teared me up. You sure have a way with words!
Thank you Sheri! I hope you had an opportunity to enjoy Florida sunrises and sunsets this January!
Such a beautiful tribute to a lovely lady! I was the recipient of her cards, flowers and her listening ears at times. When you were with her, she was with you, totally with you. She is waiting in Heaven for us, enjoying the beautiful sunsets and praising our Lord! Thanks for sharing, Therese! 🙂
Thank you Linda!