not listening

We are not very good at listening.  In the large part, I think this is because we think that we already know what to do.  This is an unfortunate arrogance, and in a relationship, it is quite insulting.  Sometimes we don't listen to those who are trying to help us because we are defensive.  Sometimes we are too busy to listen.  But most often, we believe that we are right and the other person is wrong.

If we do not listen, we never learn.  If we do not listen we are stuck in the way our life currently is.  Some people never change because they are not open to growing.

Did you know that you can learn more from a person who thinks differently than you, if you just listen to them?  A professor was once asked about a person.... so John was one of your students?  The professor answered, "John attended some of my classes, but he was never one of my students."

If you expect to learn anything in this life, if I expect to learn anything in this life, we have to get better at listening.  One of my dear memories of Woods Chapel, was the day a member said to me, "Jeff, you are talking, when you ought to be listening."  It was painful at the time, but oh that person was so right.

The gateway to knowing more and living a more full life begins with listening.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.