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Day 9: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

By Melissa Markham on April 27, 2008 2:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

"...be swift to hear, slow to speak..." James 1:19b

I have always been told it is better to be a good listener instead of someone who talks all of the time. This is something true not just in marriage, but in friendships. I mean, how boring would it be for everytime someone visited you that all they did was talk, talk, talk....

I don't know about you, but I also have a tendency to only half listen. The other half or me is either busy thinking of what I am going to say in response or thinking about my 'to do' list. I have been working hard this last year to be a better listener to everyone. When I get on the phone, I turn away from my computer and do something like wash dishes or crochet. This keeps my hands busy and helps my mind to focus.

A good trick someone taught me is that in order to show you are listening to the speaker, paraphrase back to them what they said from time to time. Maybe saying something like: "What I hear you saying is...." or asking a question that directly relates to what they are saying. And you would be surprised how much people will perk up and talk to you when they believe you are really listening. This can be a wonderful blessing for them as well as for you. So many times in our world today, we are too busy thinking about the next thing to really hear what others are saying. We think others don't notice, but they do.

I can't imagine what a different world this would be if we all stopped rushing along and just listened to what one another had to say. Imagine all of the misunderstandings that could be overcome. Imagine all of the happiness we could give to others by really listening to them. So change your marriage, change your friendships! Open your ears and really listen.