As the conversation unfolded, I realized it was going in a direction I had not anticipated. For what seems like a lifetime, I have talked, reminded, scolded, and even sadly to say at times, ridiculed a friend on a series of related topics. My intent has been to educate, inform, and hopefully embed these ideas. For me, my motivation is driven by a conviction that the principles are ones that will help him in living and life. While he has agreed to them from the beginning, doing more than just listening has been a struggle.
The surprise now was that he was trying to convince me of their truth and usefulness. It seems as though there was a portion of my life where I may have left them to the side.
In a strange twist of life, the student was teaching the teacher about the very subjects the teacher had first introduced to the student. Without commentary on how well I had embraced my own words, I find myself reconsidering the following reminders.
The initial wave of conviction is overwhelming! Be it love, discovery, or a new found belief, there is something about the first experience that leads to enthusiastic hope, a need to share, and a willingness to expose one’s convictions.
There is often an ironic correlation between conviction, doubt, and an inability to hear another speak on the subject. Said another way, when I feel I should believe and yet there are doubts within us, it is hard to listen to another on the subject. Words and questions serve to trigger my defenses.
As doubts are faced, conversations become dialogues. I find the transformation energizing! It is as if there is a new opportunity to grow. As I listen to the psalmist, I find myself looking forward to the emerging dialogue of why, how, and where; “Get out the message – God Rules! He put the world on a firm foundation; He treats everyone fair and square.” (Psalm 96.10)
I look forward to the dialogue that come; each an invitation to learn and grow.
