Stopping to Listen

I have a friend who speaks slowly, pausing before she answers a question, or even in the middle of a sentence. She stops to chuckle when she’s retelling a funny story. Sometimes when listening to her I have felt impatient, wanting to jump in and finish a sentence for her. But I dislike it when people do that to me, which reminds me not to treat her in that way either. I just have to remember when we’re talking to relax and let her say things in her own way.

I have realised that slowing down to listen is a good habit for me in my prayer time, too. I tend to tell God my concerns and requests at high speed before running off to the rest of my day. I know God wants to hear all these things from me, and I can’t think faster than he can listen. But I don’t hear very well while I’m thinking; so unless I quiet my brain during some of my time with God, I probably won’t hear all the things he wants to tell me. Since I have the assurance that God wants to teach and counsel me, the least I can do is take time to listen.

Prayer: Forgive us, Lord, for letting our speaking and listening get out of balance during our time with you. Thank you for your patience and your love that never ends. Amen