Your words or Mine?

Have you ever been in a conversation where you were just eager to get a word in? I know that I find myself doing this. Why do we do this? I wonder if we find our words more important than those around us? Some try to gain recognition, while others may do it for entertainment. Everyone has their reasons, but really, why is it that we are charged to offer our thoughts? How important is it really, that we are good listeners?

Last weeks sermon was from James as well. James tells us to be slow to speak, quick to listen. How does this play in our lives? Are we not suppose to throw our hands up and give a response? I think most will agree that we all need to learn to be better listeners.

At work, I find myself fighting between these two. I listen tentatively to my boss, and those that may offer great information. But in a sales meeting, I find myself quickly analyzing the dialog and motioning through my mind what to say next. In that environment your thoughts and words matter! The quicker the better.

As a kid, we were told to listen carefully from our parents, and not to talk back. I think some where in school we slowly were trained to speak up. Has our culture hindered us from being better listeners?

I know I have a lot to work on. I have to get out of this mode where I am trying to offer a solution in a conversation, or a new idea. Why can't I just lean back and listen. I guess what it comes down too is, do we show more love through what we say or how we listen?

I don't think this is cut-and-dry, but I know that there is room for me to improve my listening skills. I can only see it help strengthen my relationships.