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| Uh huh. Yes. Oh really? |
Guilty. I am so guilty of this.
Over my lifetime, my mind has always been wandering, thinking about what I want to say in answer to their words. I want to tell my story! Let me interrupt you and tell my story. Their last sentence comes to a logical end, then I grab the reins before they reach the full stop.
Their eyes glaze over briefly before I hit my stride and then they relax. Oh, well, they think, politely smiling. Are they also mind-plumbing for their next reply?
It doesn't end with conversations. When our progeny were small, I would sit in church and the pastor would be preaching, sincerely presenting the Word of God. I fed my youngest progeny Cheerios and let the middle progeny play with his cars. The oldest one was quietly drawing.
What was I doing? Hearing Pastor talk and nodding my head in agreement. What was I really doing?
I was wondering if the crock pot chicken would be done. Would Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce) be on after I washed dishes? Did I move the wet clothes to the dryer?
Yes, inane random thoughts would invade my brain, while I nodded in response to God's message.
Perhaps the worst not-listening is when God is talking to me.
We have an on-going conversation throughout the day with me querying Him and then hearing His first three words, before I jump in. Yes, You are right. Then my mind wonders off to laundry or dinner.
Let God Talk. Then, wait. Don't cut Him off. He knows what you are going to say, but He wants you to hear Him.
Let God Talk. He knows the answers to questions you are asking. He understands your fears, your worries. God is in charge.
Let God Talk. He has a plan for your life. Even though you groan and shout at Him, He is big enough to absorb your pain and your anger.
Don't interrupt God. Don't ignore God. Don't guess what He is going to say.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10
Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened. Matt. 7:7
Let. God. Talk.
AND then LISTEN.
It is funny how the human brain can tune out stuff that we find boring
ReplyDeletebut if we are close to finding a secret, our ears go into stealth mode and you can try to hear what we can.
Stealth mode! Great analogy.
DeleteTimely message, thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteHearing vs. listening -- always the challenge.
DeleteI find I do the same thing while reading at times, at least when there's too much going on in my life. I find myself three pages further, and technically, I've read it all, but I've been thinking about something else and haven't internalized a word.
ReplyDeleteSame here.
DeleteOh my word, Susan … you've totally nailed me! (Sitting in church writing shorthand shopping lists or blog notes.)
ReplyDeleteThen, what a hypocrite I am, growing upset if someone isn't listening to what I'm saying. Great lesson!
Thanks! It seemed to me that I wasn't alone.
DeleteIn my voluntary work we are taught the importance of listening. And just how tiring it is to do properly. Tiring, but very, very valuable.
ReplyDeleteVery valuable indeed.
DeleteI began reading this post and heard that you were speaking about something I am guilty of doing. As I read on you gave some general examples as I thought of how we were taught in school to look at any speaker and pay attention to his/her words. Then you moved on to church and God. You asked us to heed the teachings. I hope I paid enough attention to understand your message.
ReplyDeleteI hope you found yourself in this blog post.
ReplyDeleteSure can take a lot to break the habit. My mind can wander to the most random things too.
ReplyDeleteIt really doesn't take much for me either. Have to stare into the eyes and ignore the sound around me. Not easy.
DeleteWandering mind? Also guilty. Now and forever.
ReplyDeleteSigh. I hope I learn to do much better.
DeleteVery good post today. Thank you Susan.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
Sadly while I was reading your post i was all ready framing my comment. Mercy, think I need work on paying attention also. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the way it is?!
DeleteWhile I'm not a religious person I am a good listening. Or at least people have told me I am.
ReplyDeleteThen you qualify as a good listener, esp. if they say something really stupid.
DeleteMy mind always wanders but I'm working on it too. That is a problem that affects lots of people but we got to do a better job listening.
ReplyDeleteNice post and have a wonderful new week.
Thanks, Bill. I, too, am working on my fading listening skills.
DeleteIt's amazing how easy it is to listen and not think when one is knitting along...
ReplyDeleteSo true. I absolutely love the white Christmas ornament! It is seeing its future on my tree in 3 days.
DeleteYour post reminded me of my late father. He was a great listener, and told me about the goodness of lending your ears to someone.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day, Susan.
Your father was a wise man and father. "Lending your ears to someone" is a wonderful way to describe listening.
DeleteWow !!! absolutely fantastic blog. I am very glad to have such useful information.
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