NACR Daily Meditation for Saturday, Jul 12, 2003

12 Jul 2003 07:00:01 -0000

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NACR Daily Meditation for Saturday, Jul 12, 2003

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Listen carefully to my words, let this be the consolation you give me.

Job 21:1

Listening should be easy. But it is not. At a minimum, listening means
that we have to be quiet. We cannot listen when we are talking. Not talking
is the hard part. There are many reasons for this. We prefer talking over
listening because it gives us a sense of control. We can control the silences
between words by choosing when to talk. Since silences of even a few seconds
can cause our anxiety to increase, we fill the silence with words even when
we really have nothing to say.

It is a remarkable experience to have someone really listen -- to have
someone's undivided attention and interest. When someone listens, they
communicate to us on a very deep level that we are valuable. Their listening
breaks our isolation and aloneness. And it decreases the fears which come
when our thoughts and feelings are confused. Talking out loud in the presence
of a person who listens carefully allows us to gain clarity and perspective.
Gradually, being listened to can begin to convince us that we are worth
someone's attention and worth being loved.

When someone listens with respect and acceptance we are comforted and
consoled. Our pain is soothed. Our burden is lightened.

Thank you, Lord, for those who listen to me.
And thank you for the people who
trust me enough to allow me to listen to them.
Give me the courage to talk honestly.
Give me the grace to listen well.
Amen.

Copyright 1991 Dale and Juanita Ryan

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