Listening

Listening is probably one of my weakest downfalls. I struggle when it comes to listening to other especially those closest to me. My mind constantly struggles with what to say next or asks how can I fix this or worse yet will wonder off to my to do list. During my quiet time this evening God ironically placed to wonderful resources about listening on my heart. One as from the Resolution for Women Book I am reading for small group. Here I found that most of the time others just want us to listen, not respond to them but truly just listen to them. The text continued to say that though our listening we reveal something very important to the talker, that we values what they have to say, it shows them that we are vested int heir life and that we believe what they have to say holds some great importance. The author challenged us to think of a time when someone truly listened to us and what emotions we had when we walked away. She is right...I feel validated, confident and receive a boost of real self worth when I know my listener is pondering each word I say. The second source God led me to was the book of James, I LOVE this book and recommend reading it if you have not already done so. It is a short book, only 5 chapters long but holds some of the greatest life lessons with very practical ways of living a good Godly life. James reminds us  in 1:19, to be quick to listen and slow to speak." He then continues in later verses to caution us with our tongues. But that is another post...

Application: I want to listen, truly listen to what other have to say. I want to focus on their words and not feel compelled to always comment or try to fix anything. I want them to walk away validated that I feel what they have to say is important. My first place to start is home...maybe yours is work, school or church. But no matter where I encourage us all to become better listeners now.