Each one of us has choices we make every single day, consciously and unconsciously, how we respond to these choices, says a lot about each one of us.

I was conversing with a good friend the other day and we came upon the topic of perspectives. I have seen and even been a part of dialogues that when someone’s perspective is skewed because they misunderstood what was being said, consequences of these perspectives have changed lives and some not for the better. 

Listening is so important. Giving feedback to what you believe you heard not only shows the other person or people in the conversation you were paying attention and understand what is being conveyed, it can also help to head off many times of built-up bitterness and unforgiveness.  It only takes one person, assuming they understand something, to start this ugly chain of events.

The best advice I can give of having learned this skill over the years is to truly listen. Put down your phone, look the person in the eyes and truly listen to what they have to say, don’t be sitting there looking at them, but already trying to form a response to what they’ve said. This is distracting to you and not very respectful to them. And I know for most of us, we do that.  Life is so busy and there is so much happening in our lives daily, we get caught up in multi-tasking. We all have goals to meet by the end of the day, deadlines to fulfill, dinners to be planned, shopped for and cooked. Families that rely on us to keep things running smoothly, but if you are in a relationship, friendship, business, ministry, whatever the case may be, listening is just as important as doing. 

One simple misunderstood thought shared with another can spread like wildfire and before you know it, it can fuel a firestorm of doubt, anger, frustration, gossip.  Take the time to listen. Truly care for one another. Make the time to be attentive. No matter if you don’t think you have anything important or worthy of contributing to, I assure you, you will lose more respect for others if they don’t take the time to listen to you. It’s a two-way street. Do your part.  When you see there is a problem, approach in such a way that you have solutions to offer and not more negativity or added issues. 

It takes the same amount of time to pray as it takes to complain about something. Seek God in ALL things. Pray. Trust in the Lord. 

Proverbs 3:5-6New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Loves you right where you are at this moment! He would love to hear from you today.

May you be blessed~Carlene