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What strikes me most about these good words to ponder? How few people we can talk to for this purpose. First, the person must be trustworthy and not a gossip. Second, he or she has to know how to listen simply, without judging or troubleshooting to fix the problem or turning the talk back to themselves.
Who listens simply for you when you need it? Do you listen simply for others when they need it? How could you be a better listener?
Words to ponder.
I have several friends who do simply listen. I call them my rainbow. Each different, unique, all needed to make the rainbow. My life would be less without them. Hand picked gifts from God, the Giver of good and perfect gifts. Loved this post Susan.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely image...a rainbow of friends!
DeleteThought-provoking post, Susan. I don't know if I am this "listen simply" friend always. I am trustworthy and not a gossip, and I hope I don't judge. But I'm not a perfect friend, I suppose, and I think there is nary a mortal that is at all times. We're so limited in knowing what someone else really needs. We are not God and we do not see their heart and circumstances as He does. I sometimes do try to fix problems and offer advice, and sometimes I may have good insight and maybe sometimes I'm flapping my gums. But one thing I hope my friends do know—that I care for them very much. I listen with compassion and love and don't want to see them in pain or hurt. My reactions, whether they are truly what's needed at the moment, do come from a place of caring. So I hope my friends will forgive me if I don't get it exactly right. As I learn more from God, I think I'm learning to love others through Him and by His wisdom and His motives and by His leading. Sometimes my flesh still gets in front of me, but I'm seeing that God knows your heart and He knows what you need, and I can be a channel for a good thing He wants to give you through a willing me. It works much better that way. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAll we can do is follow the Spirit as it leads us to listen. Sometimes we need to say more, sometimes less. But no one who knows you, Liz, would ever think anything you said came from a place other than of love and compassion!
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