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In One Ear and Out the Other

In One Ear and Out the Other

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In One Ear and Out the Other--three horses, only one looking and listeningMany people wonder if anyone hears what they say. Their words seem to go in one ear and out the other.

  • Children ignore or forget what parents say.
  • Students fail to remember or do what teachers say.
  • Husbands or wives declare they did not hear their spouse’s words.
  • Pets pay no attention.

Those to whom they speak:

  • Hear noise
  • May hear words
  • Fail to hear the message

In one ear and out the other means people do not hear or quickly forget what another person says.

It often implies they do not listen or pay attention.

Occasionally it refers to selective hearing — hearing what they want to hear and ignoring the rest. Other times, people pay no attention to anyone whose beliefs differ from theirs.

Too many distractions cause many messages to go in one ear and out the other.

Distractions result from:

  • Multi-tasking — trying to do too much at the same time
  • Focusing on phones, television, books, or other interests rather than the person talking

People usually hear and remember if they stay all ears.

They focus totally on the person talking. They listen with their eyes  as well as their ears. That kind of attention shows respect for the speaker and the speaker’s message — a good plan for anyone.

“Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both” (Proverbs 20:12 NIV).

Thanks to Emily Akin for the suggestion and Mary Lou Rafferty for the photo.

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Gone But Not Forgotten

Gone But Not Forgotten

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Gone But Not Forgotten--Liberty, KY Memorial Park wallLiberty, Kentucky’s Veterans Memorial Park includes three walls with names of local veterans. A Liberty Bell replica stands at the entrance and a fountain in the center. American flags line the back wall.

Some veterans with names on those walls still live. Others are gone but not forgotten.

Gone but not forgotten means we remember people or things no longer with us.

They may live somewhere else. Often, they have died.

Although gone but not forgotten usually refers to people, it also applies to:

  • Animals
  • Events
  • Possessions

Anything gone but not forgotten often reminds us of the good old days.

We recall:

  • Times shared with special people
  • Favorite activities
  • A different way of life

This Veterans Day, take time to thank veterans still living.

Many went far beyond the call of duty. Remember and honor those now gone.

“I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3 NIV).

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Rings a Bell: replica of a Liberty Bell
Rings a Bell

Rings a Bell

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If anything rings a bell, it causes us to remember.

We may not remember all the details. However, we do remember small amounts.

  • Faces look like people we know.
  • Places seem familiar.
  • Activities remind us of past events.
  • Words make us think of books or movies.

Many things don’t ring a bell.

As we get older, near our golden years, we often say, “That does not ring a bell.” We think we should remember something, but we don’t.

The bell in this memorial park reminds me of the original Liberty Bell. Yet, I fail to remember all I once knew about it. If I want to remember more, I have to look it up in books or online.

Often, what rings a bell comes out of the blue.

We don’t expect it. Yet, it happens.

  • A special song
  • The smell of favorite foods
  • An old picture

What rings a bell can cause both good and bad memories.

This Memorial Day and always, may we remember the gifts of those who lived before us. May we also remember the Giver of life and all good gifts.

“They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer” (Psalm 78:35 NIV).

What rings a bell for you? A special song? The smell of favorite foods? An old picture? Please comment below.

Thanks to Kristy Robinson Horine for the suggestion.

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