To Listen Well

I've come to realize the quality I value most in my friendships are the people who know how to listen well. I understand it is really difficult to selflessly sit down and hear what someone else has to say, and not think about what you need to say next. It is nearly impossible to not try to think of your own story which is even better than the person who is telling their story. It is so hard to hear the pain in someone's "I'm doing okay" when you are thinking about how you are doing only. These things we are all guilty of sometimes. But there are those people and friends that I love to spend time with. Those people who I want to live life with because our friendship isn't just me talking, or just them talking. I tend to shut down and close myself off from people who never ask me about my life, because what is the use? I know this is the wrong mindset.. and I have been asking God to give me patience with them... and to listen to their praises or hardships even when I need someone to hear mine. I realize now why I value every week when I meet with Lindsey, because she intentionally sits and listens to me and asks questions about how I feel about situations. She never says.. "Well, in my life this is how I handled it...etc..". I in return love learning about her life and listening to her struggles. It brings our friendship to a deeper level. I also know that I was attracted to JB by his humbleness in listening to people well. He has so much knowledge and wisdom, yet he doesn't speak over someone nor contradict them unless they ask him his opinion. I almost envy how he can easily talk to anyone without judgment and listen to their life stories. It is a gift that God has given him and I am so amazingly blessed to have that in my life- an awesome guy I can talk to about anything. There are many more people in my life who listen well, Gretchen gives you the stare down when you talk and you know she is trying to read in between the lines right into your soul... and she is pretty good at it. David will probe you until your true feelings fall out on the table. Debra will silently smile in expectation and excitement as you speak. Kaleigh will ask tough and unusual questions about my life or experiences that allow me to realize she cares. Andrew finds joy in my everyday random activities.. and on and on..

I learn so much from these awesome listeners.. even when I feel like I can't listen one more minute. Even when I feel like it won't help a soul. But maybe it will. I used to be a good listener last year. And I want that patience and humbleness back. It is so evident when I shy away from personal time with people that satan is trying to steal me away from what is Good. And what God has called me to do. I am thankful for the people who listen well, and how they teach me to love even more with every breath I am granted.