Hearing

I have a passion when it comes to customers.  I think customers talk a lot, about everything.  I believe corporations rarely listen, even when they try to.  It is as if the messages going from one mouth into nothingness, lost forever in a moment in time.  Imagine a world where people actually heard each other, listening intently from their hearts.  The other day, someone did and I found myself profoundly reflective, appreciative, and thankful.
 
The scene was not conducive for listening.  I was passing through security at Helsinki’s airport.  With a singular exception, there was nothing in my possession to raise an alarm.  I carried no liquids.  My shoes had no metal in them.  I was an impression of the ideal traveler, except for one item.  The item was a three-foot tall wooden statue.  Evidently, I could use the statue as a weapon.  Evidently, I was carrying something that was unsafe.  Evidently, I was transporting something heavier than could be stowed in the luggage bin (it was a good thing they did not pick up my computer bag).  I was also carrying a wedding present for a good friend.
 
As the conversation began to unfold, I realized how easily it could get ugly.  I was determined to be firm yet open to the dialogue.  In the end, we negotiated for forty-five minutes.  Everyone got involved.  First one supervisor followed by a supervisor of supervisors.  I listened to their concerns.  I responded with empathy and a willingness to address their fears and rules.  A miracle unfolded.  As I listening to each in turn, I found myself seeing and believing their willingness to listen to me.
 
The scene ended with the super supervisor making my case to an airline attendant.  It was incredible!  I had a Finnish security official walking with me, paving the way.  The guardians were going beyond the boundary for someone in need.  We are God’s guardians.  Can we do any less?
 
“The Master, God, opened my ears, and I didn't go back to sleep, didn't pull the covers back over my head.”  (Isaiah 50.5)