Listening

"Try to listen so carefully that you might not have to speak." Guidance for Quaker Yearly Meetings

I talk too much. I always think I have something to add. On at least three occasions in the past few weeks, friends have shared with me concerns they were dealing with. I listened and then offered my thoughts and advice. After each conversation I reflected on the conversation. I now realize that in each instance, no advice was requested. I don't know that it was unwelcome, but none was requested.

Was I being intrusive? Was I offering a voice when only an ear was needed? It's hard to say. Perhaps my prayerful silent presence might have allowed my friends to express deeper thoughts of their own percolating within, or to discover and articulate a new insight.

By listening more carefully, I permit space for my heart to hear and for my intuition and imagination to speak to me. I can better hear things not said that may be instructive. If God speaks to me through others, I need to learn to listen better and leave space for His presence.

Thank you God for carefully listening to me. May I have a quiet heart to return the favor.