Listening ears

Have you ever spoken to someone about a problem only to receive a truckload of advice on how to fix the issue, all of which left you more confused?

Or, spoken about something that was close to your heart, only to have the person brush it off or treat it flippantly? 

Or, have someone zone in and out of the conversation waiting for the next chance to escape the conversation or want to chime in with their two cents?
Or, have the person listen intently for the time being, but completely forget about it after the conversation is done.

Such folks are called "poor listeners". I should know because I'm one of them.
I tune out people and conversations much more than I would care to admit. 

I've heard someone say that, most people listen with the intent to reply rather than the intent to understand. This would be very true for me. 

When my sister would speak about things that upset her, my immediate reaction was to offer advice and fix things for her. I thought that she had everything she needed and much more. Yet, she found reasons to be sad. So, it was my duty to put that in perspective for her.
In short, her problems were like nonsense to me. And, not worthy of my time or attention. 

Sometimes, a person's need to have a listening ear, is a desperate plea to be understood or heard or valued.

We don't listen to our children, or those we love. We certainly don't listen to the ones we do not like. Good, active listening asks clarifying questions and does not make assumptions.

"One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say" - Bryant H. Mc Gill

When we are listened to, it makes us unfold and bloom. Ideas begin to grow within us and come to life. For example, if a person laughs at your jokes, you become funnier and funnier, and if he does not, every tiny little joke in you dies.

I wonder if we would ever understand what God has to say, if we don't listen. The prophet Samuel said, "Speak , Lord. I'm listening.". God spoke in the silence.
I want to turn off the distractions - the smartphone, the internet, the TV, the noise in my head.

The true listener is much more beloved and magnetic than the talker. He is more effective and learns more and does more good.
Let's try listening. Listen to your wife, your husband, your father, your mother, your children, your friends; to those who love you and those who don't, to those who bore you, to your enemies. 

It will work a small miracle. And, perhaps a great one.