It feels great, doesn't it? Someone looks into your eyes, asks you a question and then...listens! Many years ago, that was called conversation. Today it is called...rare.
We taught our young children the obvious observation. "God gave us two ears and one mouth." I recently heard an addition to that statement. "One has the ability to be closed. Two remain open."
We live in a hurried, technological, instant gratifying world. We don't prefer to wait. Nor do we take time to listen well. I have been "greeted" by individuals who literally spoke to me while looking all around the room for someone else...and then walked away. I have also been in "conversations" with individuals or groups of people and when I finally tried to speak, I was interrupted, overlooked or ignored...completely...repeatedly.
Genuinely listening to another person shows respect, kindness and value. I often think about the little children who were brought to Jesus and almost turned away. Yet the Son of God took time for them.
Today I am so very grateful for the precious people in my life who truly listen. They not only hear what I say...but they also hear what I don't say. They care enough to ask, listen, respond and love. They show the kindness that Jesus showed the little children. If He can make time for others, I pray we will show His love by doing the same. What a difference that would make in other lives!♥~thl
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1: 19
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