Gratitude Day 220

Tues., Feb. 26, 2019

Psalm 26:2 – Examine me, Lord; put me to the test! Purify my mind and my heart.

Will I ever discover the ability to talk less and listen more?

Some days I do OK. Other days? Not so much.

It’s really quite silly. I can take FOREVER to tell a story. People patiently await the end. They hang in through the exhausting number of details I sometimes share. Hubby Rick often tells me that he could tell the same story in 10% of the words that I use.

But when someone else shares something with me? I interrupt. I finish their sentence. I think that I know the end of the story before it’s been shared.

Maybe my inability to use my two ears more than my one mouth is the reason why the quote at the beginning of the post resonates with me SO MUCH.

Rather than spilling out the miniscule challenge in my life, can I learn to listen to the debilitating experiences someone else is going through?

Rather than making my story or experience the center of the discussion, can I be gracious enough to let someone else’s story claim the main attention?

Rather than assuming I know what is best for someone else, can I simply listen and be their friend?

And the list could go on … and on … and on.

But then, I’d be doing exactly what I wish I would do less.

Fill life with words that may or may not add value.

Let’s leave it with the quote: Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind.

For one-liners that get our attention, I am grateful.

Holy God – Forgive me for the times that I’ve tried to make the focus about myself. Allow me to let others share their story and for me to simply listen. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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