“What did you think you said in your recent conversation?”
“I explained the situation and suggested they call you on your mobile.”
“Really? Are you sure?”
“I know I was busy at the time. I am sure that whatever I said, that was the essentially the message.”
“Would you like to know what they heard?”
“blah blah blah bla,. Blah bla blah blah. A bit more of that. No here. Something about 5. Bla bla blah bla.”
“That’s it? Nothing more.”
“Yep, that is it. Nothing more.”
I was reminded, “If you speak in a way no one can understand, what’s the point of opening your mouth?” (1 Corinthians 14.9) I thought I was focused. I thought I was communicating. I was sure I was present.
Communication needs two or more if it is to be complete. One is never enough. No matter how clear, loud, or succinct one might be, it takes an understanding ear if it is to be whole. On this day, my conversation was anything but! The good thing about the conversation was that we were all friends. The feedback was candid. It was blunt on the point of being brutal. It was also treasured.
Unless one has individuals that are willing to be true friends, one will never be able to see the mirror clearly. I rarely see my age in the mirror. My weight is always less than what the scales say. My condition is usually overrated. Good friends help correct my vision. They improve my awareness. They help me with reality.
Hearing the truth is often difficult because it is not what we want. Regardless of the reason, from ignorance to bias and onto self-deception, there is a natural tilt in our lives towards mythology. When we hear with a open heart we find ourselves at a door that opens us to More.
As I wake on the day after I find myself wanting to slow down, listen, share, and affirm that we are communicating. It will take two or more. It will also take time to be present.
