Listening well keeps us out of trouble most of the time. Not long ago I gained a fresh appreciation for this ability. It came in the strangest of places. I was driving in southern California where unfamiliar cities surrounding the Los Angeles area heighten my stress levels. Highways with more than 5 lanes of traffic in both directions are not on my happy list. But in order to spend time with family members traffic becomes part of the adventure. Despite my driving concerns, which didn’t magically disappear, I willed myself to go.
Prayer set the tone in days leading up to our departure. I printed out road maps to each destination. This helped my confidence build. And I believed God could, and would, equip me and be with me every mile, every day.
Technology Helps
The technology we have at our fingertips is a big help. Google Maps became a close companion that week. My ears were glued to every word the map lady spoke. As I paid close attention, she talked me through multiple highway changes and plenty of city streets. I can happily report at the end of the week we never did get lost! Prayers led the way. Listening well kept us out of trouble and took us accurately to each destination.
After Thoughts
After returning home the idea of listening well stuck with me. I thought beyond the GPS to a few more personal questions. On a typical day, how often do I really listen to what I hear? The honest answer is not always. I know there’s room to do better on a daily basis.
I realized when my children were infants, I heard their every cry and instinctively got up to calm them. When the doctor gave me a diagnosis about my aortic valve, I definitely placed my full attention on his words. What he had to say led me to the best plan for treatment.
Distractions and Busyness
Truthfully there are times when listening to family and friends isn’t as sharp. We all get distracted or busy with overloaded to-do lists. The rhythm of daily life gets in the way. And we get tired. Unfortunately, that results in sloppy listening habits. Relationships can suffer if not corrected. The last thing we should set our hearts on doing is to ignore the people we cherish most. Quality listening validates the one who is speaking. Whether it’s a spouse, a son or daughter, a good friend, or co-worker let’s lean in to hear what’s being said.
The Most Valuable Voice
We listen to local news and workday responsibilities. But do we pay as close attention to what God has to say? Do we care to hear our Creator’s voice and take it to heart? God is interested in the details of our daily lives. When we trust the Holy Spirit’s credibility, and find it more valuable than a handheld GPS, our ears become sensitive to the wisdom that accompanies discerning truth and shields us from trouble.
John 14:26 “But the Advocate [Counselor], the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” [Jesus]
Before making decisions, put what God is saying alongside those other voices. Then choose which path to take. Our primary counselor is meant to be the Holy Spirit. His counsel quiets fears, boosts courage, and always proves faithful.
Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Put Listening Into Practice
Listening can only keep us out of trouble when we pay attention to what we hear at put it into practice. It’s that simple. James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Perfection is not the goal. None of us are likely to achieve that mark, but we can all do better. A GPS isn’t used every time we venture out because the way to the grocery store and gym are familiar. But I can testify to hundreds of times when listening well kept me out of harm’s way and heading in the right direction.
Coaches Corner:
If listening is something you’d like to improve upon, a life coach can help you gain the skills to move in that direction. I’d be honored to discuss this with you. The first 30 minute session is always free. https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/life-coach/
Prayer:
Lord, Mighty Redeemer and Friend, increase our desire to listen well. Forgive us for the many foolish times we didn’t listen rightly to Your voice. We long to do better. Give us minds desiring Your truth above all other voices, and the urgency to follow through with actions that reflect Your grace and love. Amen
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
