Simple Gifts

While journeying (if that's a word) to work today I was thinking allot about communication. I know kind of a weird thing to think about at 630 in the am.  But, I was thinking about what it would be like to be the kiddo that I was taking care of today.  This child cannot verbally communicate, but knows a few sign language words.  The child is old enough to be able to communicate some verbally, so I can't even begin to imagine what it is like to be this child. 

Then it got me thinking that with all of the ways that there is for us to communicate these days, why do people still have such a hard time with it?  This child cannot verbally tell me what they need, but through pointing, crying, making goofy noises, etc, eventually we are able to communicate with one another. But, those of us who do not verbally have a hard time communicating have access to cell phones, land lines, text messages, email, IM, FB, verbally talking, singing, etc. With all of these forms of "communication" you would think that this world would function better than it does. 

For those of you who know other members of my family, besides just Ben and I, I'm sure you have thought from time to time that we over communicate (sorry for that). :)  So then again, I got to further thinking, which is worse, not communicating at all or over communicating?  I mean seriously, if you asked the hubby, I'm sure he'd tell you he knows way more about these crazy thoughts that go through my head than one would ever need to know! :)  

How do you find a healthy middle ground, one where both parties are happy?  Perhaps some of us expect to much from others, or perhaps some of us (me definitely included) are way too noisy...where do you draw the line?

Communicating with God, what is the best way to do this? Prayer, reading the Bible, going to church, fellowship, journaling, etc? I know that this is something that is different for each person, but how do we know that we are efficiently communicating with God?

I like to think of myself as a good communicator. But, one could just ask Ben and God and I'm sure they both would  just laugh! :)  I know that perhaps I over communicate from time to time, and perhaps get a bit grouchy at those who don't communicate the way that I would like them to...but I have the ability to communicate.

On my journey home today I was extremely thankful for something as simple as the gift of communication and the fact that I have the ability in all forms to do so!