A Listening Ear…

Silence is not a valued commodity today. Every where you turn there is noise. Even the quiet tapping of a text on a phone or a computer message often shouts feelings and emotions.  The treasure once found in solitude is rare. So, given the fact that we are living in a world of noise, the most valuable trait we can acquire is to have a listening ear…​

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; James 1:19 (AMP)

This is my prayer, that I become a "careful, thoughtful listener" – not dismissing the words of my fellow sojourner; really listening for what they are really trying to say. To hear their heart, to look into their eyes and search for understanding. And then when I speak, to speak "carefully chosen words" – not just trying to be politically correct; not just trying to avoid confrontation or dismissal. Words that reflect" patience, forgiveness, love…

Isn’t this what I desire when I speak?

Maria