In the world in which we live, the one where people live more in the imagination of their mind than the traditional physical contact and sounds that define life, listening is an art that increasingly lacks definition. How does one let the other person know they are listening in a world defined by emails, chat rooms, and mobile phones? Is there a way that in the absence of natural sounds while working on a computer for most of the day that one can experience the impact of the energy waves made for us by another human being? Is our thirst for relationship driving and dominating our pattern of behavior so strongly that we have cut off the very channel that historically shaped our lives?
Listening, really listening is at the heart of what shapes who we are. Far too often we relegate our listening to reading words on a screen, listening to the digital equivalent of persons we cannot see, or in hearing the echo of our own creation. Even if we push beyond these boundaries we are confronted by the barrage of digitals sounds from video, radio, and musical sources. How does one listen in this environment with the intent of learning? Is it possible to hear each other in the chaos of life today? Can we possible share and hear the witness born from life itself?
Far too often I lose sight of those bearing the burden and willing to share. Their words are lost in the noise of my life. Even the witness of God is lost in the noise of the world. The fact is that I far too easily forget what is in front of me – “God’s Word—the witness of Jesus Christ!” (Revelation 1.1) The Divine has spoken and I am too busy to hear.
Yesterday’s choice doesn’t dictate what happens today. The past may be an indicator but it cannot mandate the choices I have for the present. Today is a fresh opportunity. You and I have an opportunity to listen to each other and directly to God!
