I have been a bit “drifty” this week. A few days ago OC used the same title for his devotional on consecutive days, “”Are You Ready to Be Offered.” My mind would not accept this, so I skipped the second day with that title. Therefore, all week I have been a day ahead of OC. I was even so arrogant as to wonder why the service which forwards the daily devotional was behind a day. Equally disturbing is no one seemed to notice. Is there anyone out there? This all comes from a lack of focus, not paying attention, not listening. I have the choice of trying to go back and make up the lost day or “fill in” one day. Tomorrow, OC will discuss the fact that we don’t listen to God. Obviously, I don’t even listen to other people. So I’ve decided to discuss that today and, hopefully, be back on track tomorrow.
I observe that most of us really don’t listen. That is tragic because each of us has an incredibly deep desire to be heard and an intense, and sadly accurate, feeling that no none is listening to us. Because of that great unfulfilled need, listening when actually done, is incredibly powerful. Our desire to control is so great that even in conversation, rather than listening to others, we are plotting our next statement in order to “take control” of the conversation. In fact, the one who is humble enough to listen gains complete control.
Try it today. Focus on the conversations you are involved in and REALLY LISTEN. Ask questions only if you really missed something. Respond only to confirm the accuracy of what you have heard. You will be amazed at the power that will come from such listening. People will share on a much more intimate level than ever before at the slightest indication that someone is actually listening. That inner deep desire to be heard will result in an outpouring of deep thoughts and emotions. A couple of times when I have done real listening, I have heard others comment how interesting I am to talk to, when in fact they have done all the talking.
That brings us to the real tragedy of our poor listening. Since we don’t listen we don’t really love. You see communication is the fuel of any relationship. To really love someone, we need to really know them and to really know them, we need to listen to them. If we’re not listening we’re not knowing and we’re not loving.
Listen to someone today and grow in love and blessing.
Nick
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