Listening is Enough

02 May Listening is Enough

Read Matthew 17:1-13 (NLT)
Thought for the Day: Listening is enough!

Life hacks, simple actions and/or skills that improve our quality of life, can make a big difference. From storing natural peanut butter upside down in the pantry to turning the car seat warmer on when bringing home a pizza, there is something extra satisfying about creative life hacks. But there is one particular life hack that is far greater than all the others combined. In our interpersonal relationships when the other person gets upset (and we aren’t quite sure what to do or say), we can learn these simple words: “Do you want me to listen or offer advice?” When we ask this we will discover that most of the time the answer will be “LISTEN”.

Jesus led three of His disciples to the top of a mountain. Upon arrival, they witnessed something amazing: Jesus began to shine as if covered in rays of light. Simultaneously, two of the long-gone heroes of the Faith appeared alongside Him. But, Peter wasn’t willing to stop and listen. Instead, He offered the silliest idea ever thought up in Scripture: “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If You want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Rather than being present in the moment, Peter needed to be a fixer!

How often do we act like Peter and offer advice instead of listening and simply being present? Let’s learn from his mistake and see the power of presence. For those who deem ourselves ‘fixers’ or ‘problem-solvers’, it can be challenging to stop and listen (without offering a solution). Real listening offers us the chance to slow down and be present with another person. And let’s face it, listening helps avoid those moments where we rush to speak and say something we shouldn’t. At those times, we act like Peter at the Transfiguration… Instead, let’s use the greatest of all life hacks by asking: “Do you want me to listen or offer advice?”

In Christ,
Pastors Stan and David