This morning I want to present you with another challenge. This is an important question, how well do you listen?
You’ve seen those challenges on FB – do you read a post with no picture attached? If it’s a lengthy post do you read it all or just partially and then skip to the next more “interesting” feed. Twitter’s whole premise is brevity, convey your idea in 244 characters. Make is short!
But life is not a tweet.
True relationships require listening.
Yesterday I had a man check in for his camp site. He was by himself and when I asked, is there only one in your camping group he replied, “yes, I trying this alone; my wife died two months ago”. He talked and I listened. With tears in my eyes, I reached through the window and held his hand for a few moments. Inwardly, I was praying for him and thanking the Father that I hadn’t been in too much of a hurry to listen.
We build relationships by listening.
If you have children or grandchildren you know how important it is to listen. They want to tell you about their day or their favorite game or toy or pet or… They want to be heard and it’s important that we listen.
Sometimes you don’t need to read alot in the Bible to get your direction for the day. That was the case this morning.
“Let people finish speaking before you try to answer them. That way you will not embarrass yourself and look foolish.” Proverbs 18:13 ERV
It isn’t always necessary for us to provide a solution or even an answer, what’s important is that we care enough to listen.
“My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger.” James 1:19 ERV
Our Father is always ready to listen to us. He invites us to come with our joys and our sorrows. He welcomes us to come with our problems and our victories. He listens to His children with a loving heart.
But He also wants us to listen to His words of kindness and instruction.
“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them.” Proverbs 4:20-21 ERV
The challenge: don’t be in a hurry. Listen to the Father’s words, learn from Him. When we learn to listen to Him we will be better at listening to others.