What does it take to be a good listener:
– eye contact?- focus?- silence?- a counseling degree?
Probably, yes, most likely not, and no.
I learned how to be a good listener from my nephew. I’m not mentioning any names, but it was my oldest nephew. The one who introduced the large group of aunts and uncles to the amazing and engrossing world of Power Rangers. Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers who battle all day every day. (They don’t go to school or work or sleep…?) Imagine when a four year old comes running to you describing the battle….who won?…who lost?…who was defeated?…who narrowly escaped?…who can even understand the names of the characters?!?!
We didn’t need to understand the game in order to be good listeners. All we needed to do was watch Matthew’s face. Was he sad? We were sad with him. Was he ecstatic for his victory? We were ecstatic with him! 🙂 His face and posture told us all we needed to know. We didn’t need all the details of the battle, and we didn’t try and tell him how to battle better, but HE needed to know we were there for him to cheer him on or boost him up.
If you’d like to learn adult real-life examples of listening and loving well, pull up a chair and listen in at www.lunchtimeinrome.com weekly podcast.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15
aheartforhome 