Are You Listening?

Have any of you been challenged yet this week?

I no longer have children at home and lately, my husband and I have barely seen each other in passing, so I'm waiting for the opportunity. I've noticed though, that I'm much more gracious at work than at home?!?!? (What's that about?) I'm also hoping my husband doesn't see this! :)  I thought I would list just a few basic things to think about in regards to effective listening.

You demonstrate that you are listening by:

• Your body language  

• Echoing thoughts and phrases

• Making eye contact  

• Nodding your head

• Leaning in toward the speaker 

• Keeping your body open 

Here's something else that I have been reminded of this week. Yesterday, I described the years of negative communication, angry insults, etc. that my husband and I practiced on a daily basis. Because of that history, it's really easy for me to assume that comments my husband makes are made with ill intentions instead of showing him grace...especially since I know that God has performed major changes in his life. So, it is vital that I really listen to what he is saying and clarify things before I jump to conclusions. That is when I need to live out this verse:

"It (love) is not rude, it is not self‑seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

~1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

More specifically...not keeping any records of wrong.  Hmmmm...I'm trying, and I find that when I humble myself, it works really well and my husband always responds with love.  It's also helpful to come up with short prayers that you can quickly recall and say under your breath.  For today, I'll leave you with this:

"The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him...Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words." 

~Proverbs 18:6, 7 (MSG)

~Jeri Heintz