Listening

Listening is an art.  It really is.  I’m not talking about listening to gossip, endless complaining, or filth.  I’m referring to listening to someone speak before formulating an answer to be given.

I’ve found that when I’m thinking of an answer - I’m already not listening.  And Proverbs says to answer before listening is “folly” and “shame.” Those are strong words.

Answering before listening implies that we already know the rest of what the person talking is going to say, we have the answer, and we’re going to tell them so they can quit talking.

Listening is an art.  

It requires soft brush strokes, beautiful colors of love, and the ability to stand back and think creatively before ever saying a word.