A Time To Listen

We're all trying to get our points across in a discussion. After all, our point is "THE" point to make.  While we're all talking, who is listening? It's like we're in a loop with this. Sometimes it appears we're not getting a chance to get a word in, so we may keep trying to interrupt the person who's taking their turn to talk. In a  healthy discussion there's a time to listen and a time to talk. For me, I want to get my line of reasoning out or I may forget what I need to say. A notepad is very helpful when our memory is not what it used to be. ( Note to self)

If you're told by someone that they'd like to talk to you, it would be wise to do more listening at first than talking, especially if they are seeking advice. We cannot give advice before hearing the matter.

Where I'm from conversations were so loud that one would think we were all hard of hearing. No one was listening but everyone was talking at the top of their voices all at once. These were just casual conversations and not heated arguments.  I came to realize it's a culturally learned thing because I have seen this happen in cultures outside of my own. Some people are also high talkers by nature. Just imagine a conversation between a low talker and a high talker.

When it comes to parenting in this day and age, parents better do as much listening as much as talking. Gone are the days of "children should be seen and not heard." There are so many voices everywhere and in all forms vying for their attention, that we better be having regular talks to know what they're hearing during those times when we are not with them. If we decide not to listen, they will be heard elsewhere. 

The churches I visited as a child and also my hometown church were so different from what I have come to know now. Preachers would be preaching and there would be all sorts of things happening while they preached. People shouting, tambourines and drums beating. There was not much listening. How were we to be edified?

Let's commit to taking time to listen especially as believers. God can use anyone to convey what He wants us to hear.

Job 32:10-11

“Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know. I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words.