More and more, I am tuning in to the importance of listening. Something sacred occurs in conversations where all parties are fully present.
I have endeavored to be increasingly intentional about stopping to hear every word spoken when someone is sharing with me. Whether is my child, a friend or a pastor preaching, I know that God is often revealed through the dialogue of others.
I have also felt completely embraced as others have paused to listen to me. The beauty of feeling seen, heard, and understood comes through empathetic listening, attentive eye contact, and careful cues that indicate the message I am sharing is being received.
While sometimes advice or guidance is the most welcomed part of an engaging conversation, sometimes the most blessed word exchanges take place when nothing is fixed, but space is created for the speaker to share their heart with a trusted other.
One of my dearest friends has reminded me often we are most likely to hear God when we are still and willing to listen. How hard is this in our current society? On days that feel so full-speed I can hardly pause for breakfast, how can I be silent enough to hear God’s voice? With the holiday season approaching, where will the time be found?
Like so many other aspects of life, I have to remember listening is a choice. When we choose to read the Bible, attend church and hear God’s word, or engage in a spiritually focused conversation with another believer, we are making a choice to listen.
It is my prayer that we will be the person needed on the other side of the table when someone shares their joys, fears, or heartaches. I pray we will be heard and held as we share ours. And, most of all, I pray we will take the time to pray and allow God to listen to us, then be willing to accept what He has for us.
In Luke 11:28 (NIV), Jesus states, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
God is always there – we just have to ask and wait for His perfect timing, and be willing to take to hear the Holy message we receive.
Rooted in Grace and Grit 
Glad to see you back at the blog. Another timely word, especially as we head into the holidays. Listening a VERY powerful. And, to pause to really listen to another is a gift to both of you.
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