How I hear from God

I am not sure if God still speaks to people audibly anymore. I know if he felt it was needed he would. When my 8 year old son asked me how does God talk to us, I had to pause and think about how to explain it to him. It turned out it was easier for me to explain than I thought. I believe God speaks to us through our conscience and thoughts. He is that random thought that is sometimes dismissed as  just a thought. He is that tug at your heart that tells you "stop", "be careful" or "you know better". 

I remember a few years ago, taking my boys to McDonald's with my mother in law to eat lunch and play in the little playground. There were several kids playing and I was trying not to be a panicked parent, (at least not in front of my mother in law.) After a bit, all the other kids left with their group and I had a feeling to look for my little one. A specific feeling to look at the kids leaving the play area. I ignored it. I then asked my oldest if his brother was with him and he assured me he was, (another lesson...don't always believe your 5 year old when you are interrupting their playing). Next thing I know a women was walking my youngest out to me from inside the restaurant. He had followed the group of kids out of the play area. 

I believe my initial feeling to look at the kids leaving was God speaking to me. Sadly I had ignored him. I was too worried about looking like a hovering parent to my mother in law. Thankfully, God is a loving and forgiving Father, even though I ignored him, he still protected my son and brought him back to me. It all happened so fast and could have ended so badly. 

I have ignored my conscience and those random thoughts throughout my life not knowing what they were or Who they were. To many times I have said " I should have listened to myself" or "I had a feeling I shouldn't have done that." I am learning everyday how to listen better and stop ignoring that little tug at my heart.