I overheard a young father who was sitting on a bench. His little girl was twirling around on the jungle gym saying, “Look, Daddy, look!” But he ignored her; he was busy talking on his cell phone.

The little girl continued to try to get her daddy’s attention—twirling, running around the playground, and calling, “Look, Daddy, look!” Finally, the man put his hand over his cell phone and snapped, “Be quiet! Can’t you see I’m busy?” The girl’s head drooped, and she looked down at her shoes. My heart broke for her.

I recalled times when my children were young and I lost my patience because I just wanted some peace and quiet. I prayed for the man and his daughter, that the Lord would heal the hurt and remind the young father how precious and fleeting those moments are.

Today we lead busy lives. We’ve grown impatient when our children or loved ones seem to continually demand our undivided attention. After all, we’re only human. But our loving heavenly Father has all the time in the world to listen to us, whether we’re just telling Him about our day or pouring out our hearts to Him over a difficult trial we’re going through.

Thank God for loving to hear from us without becoming impatient. And thank God for His ability to listen to all of us at the same time—still giving us His undivided attention.