Listening

I was reminded again today that one of the most important ministries we can sustain with a person is to listen to them.  Not just passively sit there and endure what they say but really listen.  Not thinking about what we are going to say when they are finished.  Listen.  Then tell them what they told you.

As a people we are inundated with noise.  Media is on around us everywhere.  In elevators, in stores, in our cars, there is very little time that we are in just quiet circumstances.  Further we are being told information at work and at church and every other venue we pass through constantly.

We do not get a chance to say much.  More importantly we do not get a chance to share often if at all what is or has gone on in our lives.  Thus we are sure that no one knows us.  We are not real sure that we know ourselves.

That is why listening to someone tell about themselves is such a gift.  It helps them process verbally things they may not have previously thought through and it encourages them that someone is taking the time and interest to actually listen and respond.

It is not hard.  You just have to pay attention.