The theme of listening runs through the parable of the farmer scattering seed. Notice how Jesus describes the progression from hearing to listening to understanding. The more we listen and the better we listen, the more we understand. That's certainly true of Jesus' teachings, but it also applies to conversations between loved ones.

In Matthew 11, Jesus issues an appealing invitation: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Those gentle words, that promise of rest, speak to our souls. Jesus goes on to say, "Take my yoke upon you."