Might this be a time to listen?
Deeply disturbed by what I witnessed on television… a man murdered as others watched, I was certain that to write about anything else this week would be 100% tone-deaf.
Yesterday, I struggled most of the day to begin writing. By the end of the afternoon, I was exhausted and empty…
Like most of us, I wanted to have something meaningful to say—something to add.
But I was forcing it. Which never works. For anything.
As you may know, normally (what does that word mean anymore?), I publish my post for the week on Wednesdays.
When I share with someone that I almost always write a post the same day I share it, it surprises them. I’ll be honest, that surprises me too. And it does carry with it an obvious problem to overcome.
But I can’t help it, that’s typically when the words arrive. Something has to speak to me. (Yes, plenty is speaking to me now). But the words did not show up.
Like you, I’ve had many conversations with friends and family.
My eyes have been glued to the TV for long stretches of time.
Early this morning a simple, but clear thought arrived…
It took me a while, but I think I finally realized this isn’t the week to rush in, then try to come up with something to say.
This is a time to listen.”
— a thought
And to listen as deeply as I possibly can.
Will you join me?
Do what you’re able to dispense with all the yeah, buts… and the thing is’s… and anything else remotely like that.
Stop explaining for now.
Turn off the urge to solve. We are not fixers at this moment.
This is a time to listen.
So that’s what I’ve decided to do. To do my level best to quiet my lips and truly listen.
Hear. Feel. Learn.
Thanks for dropping by LifeUntucked. I’m humbled that you are here.
Copyright © 2020 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved
Back in the Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits craze, he nailed this with “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood”.
Dan, you are right on. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought of that exact one of Covey’s 7 habits lately. I’m going out on a limb to say it may be the most important one.
Good Blog Jeff we all need to listen more
Thanks, Mike… yes we do, and now is a good time to start.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for sharing from the heart. We are in unprecedented times, no doubt, however, it is also an opportunity for growth, change, and advancement into a better future for everyone. Listening is important, but what are we listening to? Who are we listening to?
The voices of anger, hatred, pain, and grief, are all speaking loudly. If that is all we hear, all we choose to listen to, we will never hear the voice of truth. There is a voice that speaks with wisdom and discernment, a voice that is filled with love and compassion. I voice that has the best interest of humanity at heart always—God’s voice. Are we listening for His voice?
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Let us be careful, use discernment, and choose wisely what voices we are listening to.
Thank you for this thought provoking message.
Blessings,
Lucy Ann
Thank you, Lucy Ann… yes, God speaks to us in many ways