“You might be hearing me, but you’re not listening to me.” I heard my mom say those words to me more than once. How in the world did she know these things?
Interrupting, pesky distractions (fill in the blank), looking up and down and around, resting the ole’ chin in the hand — all are good indicators of boredom with the discussion taking place.
It is fairly easy to tell when someone is not listening to what you are saying. Oftentimes, conversation is treated like a competitive sport. We all like to share our point of view, display our superior knowledge or top what the other person wants to convey.
How much talking do you do on an average day versus how much listening? If you’re like me, not near enough of the latter.
According to Psychology Today, hearing revolves around the physiological act of hearing sounds. Listening revolves around actively paying attention to the words and sounds you hear to absorb their meaning.
Listening requires receiving, understanding, remembering, evaluating and responding.
Doug Larson was a columnist and editor for the Door County Advocate and wrote a daily column, “Doug’s Dugout,” for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, both Wisconsin-based newspapers. He said, “Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk.”
The fact of the matter is that at times, I need to put aside my personal interests to listen to the sometimes ho-hum details from the one doing the talking. But for now, just for a few minutes, I will do the talking.
So, remove your chin from out of your hand and listen up (wink)!
Just so you know, I prefer not to hear (much less listen to) anyone talk about sickness, death, or politics while fueling my body. I purposefully will not listen — tune you out — and if the urge hits me, and it usually does, kindly I will interrupt and ask for you to change the subject to something more appealing. Heaven forbid discussing ailments of a family pet during mealtime. I can feel a case of heartburn coming on. Will someone please pass the Rolaids?
Several weeks ago I went to a Falling Spring Elementary School class reunion with my husband. He wanted to reconnect with old friends. I was a Central Elementary gal but I was more than willing to accompany him.
I knew the view from the mountain looking down on the Falling Spring Valley would be stunning. So why would I stay home? I never want to miss an opportunity to witness superb artistry by the Sovereign Creator of the universe.
Chatter amongst those FSE 49ers was quite pleasant and entertaining. It made me smile listening to the particulars about their good ole’ days. I learned that Daniel and his friends were quite the rebels. I wonder if his mom knew of his involvement in the mischievous activities that went on during school hours? I tend to think she did because a mom knows everything.
Smoked pork and beef was on the menu and there was no talk of vomit and mortality (politics) around the picnic table. Way to go, y’all!
Still listening?
Many of you may know Dreama Blake (my dad’s sister) from Hot Springs. Most recently, I had an opportunity to visit with her. I asked her to share with me insight from her 87 years on this earth.
She replied with utmost confidence, “Trust God and his Sovereignty.” She also told me, “Psalm 91 is my favorite part of scripture and God is indeed my refuge.” She passed away just a few days later.
I had a few moments to speak with Dreama’s grandson prior to her memorial. I asked, “Will you be playing the guitar, singing a song, or reading scripture?”
He replied, “No, I am just going to listen to what others have to say.”
The sage advice from wise youthful Isaac confirmed to me that it is indeed beneficial to talk less and listen more. Thanks, Isaac, for the unsolicited reminder.
Sometimes there are uninvited disturbances that alter my listening skills. While Pastor Mike was reading scripture, I noticed a holy stink bug strolling along the top edge of a church pew.
What happened next, in my opinion, was not very holy. One of God’s saints (sitting directly in front of me) decided it was wise to flick the brown marmorated creature off its post.
It is profitable to pay close attention to the finer details. The stink bug meandered up the side of a chair and onto the back of another saint. Coming in for a landing. Its final destination? In the midst of a few locks. Talk about a distraction! I wanted to whisper a few words but I wasn’t sure if anyone would hear me.
Hey, I did what any good friend would do. I kept my eyes on that stinker. I am happy to say that immediately after the final amen, the sinful critter was retrieved and disposed of in the great outdoors. Amen and amen!
I do hope you are still listening.
The highlight of the service was when Charlee (6) and Selah (4) quoted words from Psalm 19 in front of the crowd. Great job girls! “GG” would have been so proud of you both. I am proud of you, too. Your memorization skills inspired me and I now have the first two verses under my hat.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech and night to night reveals knowledge” (Psalm 19:1,2 ESV).
In June 2018, along with my husband, I listened to the advice of other travelers and we headed to the easternmost state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. I wanted to witness the “vacationland” with these four eyes of mine.
Cadillac Mountain is on Mount Desert Island, within Acadia National Park in Maine. It is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States.
The mountain is known to be the first place in the continental U.S. to see the sunrise, although that is only true for a portion of the year. I read that the view of the glaciated and island landscape is spectacular at the summit of the mountain.
In a very early hour of the morning, I saw the sun peek out in all its glory over a remarkable feature of our planet. Panoramic views of hills, mountains and islands with the Atlantic ocean stretching endlessly was more than spectacular and well worth the miles driven to get there.
The sun, one of God’s miraculous creations, gives light and warmth to the earth and enables life to thrive. It serves as a reminder that God spoke and He still speaks.
In the very beginning, with a mere word, God spoke and he created out of nothing the universe in its entirety. He continues to speak in general revelation, as all of nature itself testifies to the existence of the One who made all things for His glory.
W. Robert Godfrey said, “General revelation, properly speaking, is God’s clear display of His glory and power in the works of creation and providence.”
Are you listening?
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