Hearing

Sometimes it is hard to be articulate.  Regardless of how clear one is the art of being simple and yet still capturing the story is more difficult than anyone appreciates, understands, or acknowledges.  The best stories, the strongest messages, and the most effective communication are a result of listening and simple answers.  There is power in the process yet I along with many others find ourselves trapped in the rush of getting our words in before we understand the story of those involved in the conversation.  If we could slow down, reach out with open minds, listening hearts, and then speak we would touch the very center of what drives real dialogue and progress.
 
I wish there was a complicated excuse.  If only I was dying in the next few moments so getting my words out first was important.  If only I could explain how my insights came with full understanding of the other parties needs, beliefs, and priorities.  If only I could trust the person I was sitting with to come into the conversation without an agenda, cause, or self to protect.  No excuse or justification on any front in my case.
 
So frequently I am not articulate.  Just as often I do not allow others to be articulate for the same reasons!  If I look through the reasons cited above I find my self boiling the excuses down to trust.  I simply don’t trust the importance of anyone’s message as being more than my own.  I believe that my priorities and values are superior to all others.  I hold my arrogant position that their words always come with an agenda that is in conflict with mine.  In this moment of realization I hear Divinity’s intense yet loving response.
 
“I have so many things to say that concern you, judgments to make that affect you, but if you don't accept the trustworthiness of the One who commanded my words and acts, none of it matters.  That is who you are questioning—not me but the One who sent me.”  (John 8.26) 
 
Listening starts with me.