A Heart that Listens

"To be kind is more important than to be right. 

Many times what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks,

but a special heart that listens."

-F. Scott Fitzgerald.

This past week was a crazy, busy week for my granddaughter,

who is a senior this year. 

Dilly and her best friend, Emma, 

competed in and celebrated their fantastic tennis season.

Nominated for homecoming queen, Dilly 

got to ride in a cool Jeep Willy truck in the parade 

and be part of the half-time events at the football game.

As proud as I am of her accomplishments,

I love this beautiful young lady's kind heart even more.

She bought me a charm not long ago that said, 

"Kind people are my kind of people." 

That is true, and they're Dilly's people too. 

She's one of the kindest people I know.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,

 just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 1:32

 

Quiet the Noise

1 Samuel 3:19-21
The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.

Do not let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord.

When I worked at the college library, a storm passed through and knocked out the electric. The silence felt intense. No computers hummed, the students had gone home, the HVAC shut down, and the fluorescent lights no longer buzzed. I'm not sure I realized how much noise filled my ears when the electric worked. I found the quiet peaceful.

Physical sound isn't the only noise of the world. Opinions, commercials, chaos, directions, voices on all sides of every topic fill the void. Sometimes they make so much noise and cause so much distraction, I no longer hear the most important voice, because I'm no longer listening.  

In 1 Samuel 3, Samuel heard God's voice, but he didn't recognize Him. God called to him, but Samuel thought his mentor Eli spoke to him. Samuel didn't know God well enough to hear Him. He'd been learning and serving, but he didn't know the voice of God. Eli explained to him, God is calling you, and He wants to know you and for you to know Him. Go back to sleep and wait for God to call on you. Samuel did and just as Eli said, God revealed himself to Samuel.

Amid the noise, seek to hear the voice of God. His is the one I want to listen to as He guides me through this crazy life. When I hear from God, I know I'm on the best path, the one He's paved for me. I may not hear an audible voice, but I do know in my heart when He speaks because the Holy Spirit reminds me to listen. He nudges me to be quiet and hear my Father's voice.

Quiet the noise and listen to God.

Listen

Nonfiction Book Review: How to Listen, So People Will Talk: Build Stronger Communication and Deeper Connection by Becky Harling

Book Description:

The secret to great relationships isn't to become more charming or funny or to solve the world's problems or to just try harder. The secret is to listen--and listen well. It's that simple. 

When you listen well, your marriage will grow stronger, your parenting will flourish, your friendships will thrive, and your influence at work will increase. You will be amazed at how one simple act can transform the hearts of others--as well as your own.

My Review:

How to Listen so People Will Talk is more than a how to book on listening. The author includes thoughts about not just listening to people but also, listening to God. Hearing his voice as he speaks to our hearts. When we learn to listen to God, we'll hear the voices of the people around us with deeper meaning. Becky gives some excellent exercises that help the reader check their attitude and increase listening skills. I like that she talks about hearing other people's stories and learning more about those we care about. I recommend this book as a great tool that will help us all listen better. I received this book for free.