Knowing How to Listen...

It is said that God gave us two ears and one tongue, so we can listen twice as much as we speak. This reflection is interesting.

Let’s look at some situations in which we need to be educated, and that it will reflect in our conversations:

1. We don’t always pay attention to the person we are speaking with. It can get to be an extreme situation, when the person feels ignored. It can be contrary, we can feel ignored.

2. Take a pause. What do I mean by this? There is conversation, but no dialogue, but monologue. When we take a pause, this helps to see if it takes a turn to another topic.

We need to remember that time does not stand still. I will share an experience I had in a church where the pastor said I only had 15 minutes to speak. The topic required 35 minutes, but I did not tell the pastor this, and I did it in 14 minutes. If we do not take a pause, it is impossible to adjust the time.

3. If we are persons who know how to listen, it is easier to manage time, and if we know that the situation is really important, then we should be honest and let them know how much time we have available. I am accustomed to doing it, even with my children, this way the situation is managed better. Last. 4. Do not replace a conversation, by sending long text messages. We should not abuse other peoples’ time.

I end with Psalm 49:3 “My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”

God bless you.

(Editor’s Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week. The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.)