I'm the listener.
I'm not saying I can't talk because I certainly can; but, nine times out of ten, I end up listening. I don't know if it is because I'm surrounded by especially verbose people, or if I have a sympathetic personality. Maybe both.
It could have something to do with my job. A ministry assistant hears all kinds of things - and hopefully remembers who said what - and when!
However, I find myself slacking sometime. You see, there is a difference between an active listener and someone who gives lip service to the idea but is really thinking all kinds of thoughts while their partner is nattering on.
Anyone else guilty?
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I'm thinking that being an active listener is actually a gift to the speaker. Because sometimes you need to vent or bust and someone to listen to you is needed desperately. There are times when the listener is able to speak into the speaker's life with a word of wisdom or advice. Most of the time, the listener can really say nothing except, "I know how you feel," or "I'm so sorry you are going through this."
And it is enough.
What if you can't find anyone to listen to you? I know someone who is available 24/7 and promises to answer when you call:
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3English Standard Version (ESV)
A sincere seeker will always be heard by Him.
This post was written in response to Writer's Workshop prompt #1. Write a blog post inspired by the word: listen. To read other prompts and responses, visit Kat Bouska's blog, Mama's Losin' It.
I try to be an active listener because that's what I would want if someone was listening to me, especially if I was venting about something :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Wise, wise words!
ReplyDeleteLove this. I wrote on this topic, too. Being an active, engaged listener is hard, but then again, so is being a talker who has something wise to say. :)
ReplyDeleteAs always you hit the nail on the head! There are far too few active listeners in this world so it is especially good to have the best listener to turn to!
ReplyDelete"I know someone who is available 24/7"...truth!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! Sometimes when I'm the listener, I ask the talker what they need from me. Do you want my opinion or do you just need me to listen and/or agree with you about what a jerk your mother in law is? It's fun to distinguish the difference and that allows the venter to know I'm there, either way.
ReplyDelete