Take time to listen
One of the things that bothers me is when I go to the doctor with a list of concerns and before I even get to point #2, the doctor is already interrupting me, giving me his diagnosis. How rude! So I think. Truth be told, the doctor is much more trained than I and probably already knows what the root of the problem is without me giving him my long list of complaints. And really, who even wants to hear all of that anyway?
It may be natural for Physicians, or government officials, maybe even our bosses to cut to the chase and not listen to us very well. To be honest, people seldom listen like they should these days, to the point that if someone actually does listen to me it feels…just unnatural!
We can also find ourselves in that same trap of not listening to others (like the physician) or cutting people off before we should. Something else that bothers me greatly is when I am texting someone and the only response that they can muster up in response is “k”. Sending me a “k” is like telling me “hey I don’t have time for you”. It may just be me, but a simple “ok” or “alright” seems so much nicer than a mere “k”. Do people just not have time to listen or to respond?
The Bible instructs us to listen well …
(James 1:19) “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”
I like a quote that I read from Eugene Peterson: “Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue.” Taking time to listen to others may require us to slow down alittle bit. I know that I get in a hurry and often times I miss out on some important things just because I don’t take the time to listen.
I can only imagine if I don’t like when people don’t take time to listen to me, how God must feel when we busy ourselves so much that we don’t take time to listen to Him.
God gave me 2 ears and one mouth. It is my goal today to slow down and listen twice as much as I speak. Who knows, I might actually hear what someone is saying to me. I might even hear what God is saying!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to slow down today and listen more. Help me to hear what You have to say and not be so consumed with what I have to say. AMEN
Blessings, Laurie
@copyright2017 laurieadams
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Great reminder Laurie- I’m guilty of talking too much and not listening well… I’m learning to listen .
I talk too much too! Lol May we both learn to listen more.
As an inveterate big mouth, this is so convicting. I’m learning to listen more, but it’s hard to be quiet. Good point.
Yes it is hard to be quiet at times. But with God’s help we can learn to be listeners. Thanks for your feedback.
You are right; people don’t take time anymore to either listen or take time to respond. Oh, I so don’t like the “k” in response to my text messages. 🙁
Thank you for the reminder to listen well and the wonderful prayer. May I stop and listen, especially to God.
Iris, I’m glad I’m not alone on the ‘k’ thing. Lol I’ve been really trying to slow down and listen more this week. It’s crazy the things we miss when our mouths don’t stop running.
Love this post. The “k” response to my long text message is a pet peeve of mine also. Amen to that prayer.