I often wonder why decisions are made and actions taken; including my own. I cannot speak for you or anyone else, however when I critically look at my own behavior it is as if I am taking actions in order to feel good on a superficial level without any serious interest or intent of really dealing with the problem at hand. Apologies are easily handed out without any real soul searching to understand why I took the action that generated the need for the apology. The idea of going beyond the understanding level to the corrective actions required to reduce or eliminate the root problem is almost beyond comprehension.
As time progresses I find myself easily frustrated on this point. I just went through this cycle! It was with my “self” last week, the week before, twice three weeks ago, and so on. With others everyone may be more sympathetic and compassionate yet we are still relatively impatient. Something needs to break the cycle!
There is a key ingredient that I find myself turning to more and more, listening. Perspectives change, understanding broadens, and corrective actions appear viable all because there is a time of slowing down, hearing what others have to say on the subject, and listening to one’s heart and soul. When this is combined with listening to the Spirit everything has the opportunity to move into high gear!
The Divine learned this long ago. There is little point in wasting time and energy when nothing is going to happen. As a result, “God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to him.” (Proverbs 28.9) It isn’t that he ignores the situation; He merely focuses on where the Team can make a difference.
There is a model here from which you and I can learn. I want to make a difference, if only in my own life. If I am committed being deaf is not an option no matter how hard it might be to hear reality. Today is the opportunity to clear the obstacles and discover amazing windows.
