OUR STRUGGLE TO LISTEN AND HEAR (Part II)
Wow! I must
confess that the following story caused me to start some self-examination and
adjustment of my own listening habits.
In Pastor Charles Swindoll’s book, “Stress Fractures,”
he confesses a tendency to embrace too many commitments in too short a time
frame. He admits to getting quite nervous
and tense. “I was snapping at my wife
and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at
those unexpected interruptions through the day.
Before long, things around our home started reflecting the pattern of my
hurry-up style. It was becoming
unbearable.”
“I distinctly remember after supper one evening, the
words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me something important that
had happened to her at school that day. She
began hurriedly, ‘Daddy, I wanna tell you somethin’ and I’ll tell you really
fast.’ ”
“Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered,
'Honey, you can tell me -- and you don’t have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly.’ “And I'll never forget her
answer: ‘Then listen slowly.’ “
Lesson learned.
It’s important to take time (quality time) to really listen and hear the
heart of others.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and
please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.
Maranatha!
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