I was thinking today… have we fallen short on our listening skills? It seems like in our society today that everyone wants to talk, but do we have the same outlook when it comes to listening? I understand wanting your voice to be heard, but if we don’t cultivate our listening skills then no matter how loud you get – you will not be heard.

I think there is so much noise in our environment today that it can be a fight sometimes to really listen. Between TV, traffic, phones, computers, music (earbuds) etc., it’s no wonder that our minds have endless chatter! When do we hear the birds? Or the rustle of the leaves on trees moving in the breeze? When do we hear God?

As a child I was taught to be quiet and listen when someone was speaking, whether it was a teacher, parent or friend. I wonder about our youth of today who are not being held to the same standard. We must learn to listen – really listen and be pro-active about it. Be aware of all that God is trying to say to us.

God cannot get through to us if we are constantly surrounded by noise and static in our minds. Take a break, put the phone on silent, go for a walk in nature (without the ear buds) let the birds be your music. Give God time to get through to you.

In our world today this is more important than ever because of all the accessible technology we have at our fingertips. Are we losing our chance to quiet our surroundings and our minds and allow God to speak to us? Just remember God hears you, He listens to you, so shouldn’t you hear and listen to God as well?

(Proverbs 12:15) The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

(Psalm 18:6) In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.

(1 Samuel 3:10) The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

(John 10:27) “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.”

(Revelation 3:20) “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

To God be the Glory,

Lynn Manucci Warrick