Lent@Landmark: Day 26

In my reading travels recently I was struck by a quote from John Grisham, “The art of the skilled conversationalist is to keep the other person talking.” 

It can be a challenge to truly listen rather than simply waiting for our turn to talk.  As someone who’s been a teacher, and now a preacher, I confess it can be difficult for somebody in the talking business to make that switch!  Isaiah 50:4 is an important reminder God has pointed out to me:  

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens--wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. (Isaiah 50:4)

Whether we’re preachers, teachers, supervisors, mentors, parents, friends, coworkers, or anything else that requires us to impart wisdom to others–morning by morning God calls us to start with listening and learning.

What would change if your ears were awakened?

What might you hear that you did not hear before? —MH