The world resounds with many voices and noises. Some voices are good. Some tunes ring with beauty and truth. Other sounds are irritating or discordant. Some words are reasonable and pure, while others are angry and erroneous. The words we use to form our thoughts reveal the heart. The human heart is also revealed in art. There’s an art to listening well, and many a devoted mom has learned it. Mothers are subjected to frequent clamor and commotion. Children bang pots, coo, sing songs, ask for help, cry, and play loudly. The chatter of childhood can be beautiful—and sometimes chaotic. While little ones amuse themselves by growing and learning through games, moms are often busy with the chores of daily life. Listening with “half an ear,” mothers learn to distinguish between the chords of revelry and distress, tuning in and out as necessary. Having four children myself, I register the …