James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Obeying Traffic Signs!
Steven Covey calls the interrupters as those who “listen only with the intent to respond”.
So not really listening at all. The opposite is true of those who talk without watching the expressions of those they’re speaking with.
As if others should just permit how long those “faster vehicles” wish to go / wish to talk.
So it’s a two way street, our conversations. Sadly some “drive” down the road beyond the speed limit…and others get pushed to the side.
Others “drive” very slowly and eventually bottlenecks occur. The “faster” folks sometimes get frustrated and react by “going around” the slower conversationalists.
Whether marriage or friendship then, the road signs aren’t one way nor unevenly assigned.
Although some are naturally quiet and though others opposing try to fill every moment of silence…
“Middle ground” isn’t a suggested destination for one. But so often, that’s
the reality.
Consequently, hearing with the intent to learn must equally be a “relentlessly applied discipline” …combined with speaking with Love’s intention’s.
Wisdom then is this, oh Self. Listen quietly, speak softly and know when to yield even though the light is green.
As HIServant re-reminded to stop first and learn… from HIS WORD,
Whitney
Devotional: Proverbs 16:20
“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD!”
Live and love then with the intent to reflect CHRIST!
Amen and amen!
2CJC 