“Listen Thrice,
Think Twice,
Speak Once”

Listening. It requires more than just hearing. At times, all of us are so busy thinking of how we will respond to another in conversation, that we miss the mark in “listening” to the other. By “missing the mark” I’m speaking of listening to the other’s heart. We miss so much of what is on another’s mind when we have not time for them. I am amazed at the art of communication. It’s not just verbal, it’s facial expressions, pauses, silences, body language, the eyes, that tell so much about that person. If you pay attention to another, you will see that it’s true. Verbal may tell you one thing, but betray itself by facial expression. The countenance.

“The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.” Isaiah 3:9

My friend has told me often of what his mother used to tell him as he was growing up, and I’m sure that some of you may identify with this also as you were growing up. She would tell him, “Son, did you hear me?” He would reply, “Yes ma’am.” She then responded, “I know you hear me, but you had better “heed” me.” …..and there is a difference in what she was saying to him. She knew he heard her, but he had better “listen.” Take it to heart. He still laughs about that … and she backed that statement up if he didn’t “heed” her.

In this world where we buy so many distractions we seem not to have the time to stop and listen. To truly hear what the other person is saying.

I teach a children’s class on Lord’s day and instead trying to get through a set curriculum, I take the time and listen to what happened during the previous week at school. Some will ask questions about teachers, friends and relatives and what to do when problems arise. I have them take their Bibles and we search Scripture together for the answers. I want them to know that for all of life’s problems, trials and sorrows, to reach for His Word. I want that imprinted on their heart…and I want them to know that I have time to listen to them….for if they don’t talk to us now while they are very young, when those teen years come, they very likely won’t listen then.

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

“Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go lie down: and it shall be, if He call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak Lord; for thy servant heareth. And the Lord came and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth.” I Samuel 3:9-10

“Though you cannot always see the bird sing, if you listen with your heart, you can always hear his song.”

Eileen Light