A woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’ (Luke 11:26b-27)
Listening is a gift we all can develop and use. In fact, listening is probably one of the most important things we do in our daily lives, in growing, and in developing relationships. Listening to those who choose to talk with us and share their thoughts, observations, and ideas can really enhance our lives. This is a gift each of us can give to others, and truly be a friend to them.
A fellow volunteer I met and had had some conversation with, one day just said in our group, ‘I like talking with Glennys, she always listens.’ We have a lovely relationship and have become very good friends.
There are many ways of listening. For example:
With your eyes, really look at the person who is speaking with you, give them your full attention. Notice their body language, is it saying something more to you. Notice their tone of voice, what are their eyes saying.
Reaching out to another in friendship can be a blessing to them as well as us.
Another branch of listening is to listen to ourselves. What is our inner being saying to us, prompting us to do, what is happening deep inside us. What is being said to us in certain situations. To do this we sometimes need to share with another what is happening in our lives. We all need each other.
We also need to listen to what God is saying to us. For example: When seeking guidance in an important decision you need to make. Share in Prayer what is happening in your life, and what you need to know, God always listens. Ask God to show you then listen to what God is saying to you.
I will share an experience I had in seeking God’s guidance.
While I was living in America, I had been there almost 12 years, and I felt I needed to ‘settle down’, but where, Australia or America? So I started praying for guidance. Where did God want me to be, where could I serve Him best. Then one day a lady was speaking about God leading us and using us where we were. Suddenly as though a voice spoke within me, I heard, ‘Glennys, I can use you in America and I can use you in Australia. You choose.’ That was probably the hardest decision I have ever had to make; I had to choose. But God loved me enough to allow me the choice. I knew God would be with me, and use me wherever I chose to be.
This gift of listening is so important in all our relationships, and in the way we choose to live, learn and grow. Cherish this gift and grow it, be there for one another.
#40ways40days © Sanctuary, 2019. Photo by JD Mason on Unsplash.
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