On Sundays, pastors do a lot of speaking but the rest of the time they do a LOT of listening.  I’ve learned that listening effectively is an art, an intentional effort.

Stephen R. Covey said “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”  We’ve all experienced this haven’t we?  We are talking to someone and realize they are listening, but what they are really doing is formulating a response.

I have to guard this tendency in my life.  When I go to the hospital and someone tells me about their physical situation, it’s tempting for me to tell them about MY gall bladder surgery, or the car wreck I was in, or the even the good thing that happened in my life as a response to their statement of something great happening in their life.

Here are three things I’ve learned about listening.  First, ask open-ended questions. “Tell me about your day” (instead of, “Did you have a good day?”).  We took our granddaughters to the zoo and on the way home we simply asked “What part of the zoo did you like the best?” (not, “Did you have a good time at the zoo?”)  It’s amazing what you year when you ask questions that way! Second, listen to people younger or older than you!   Third, I’m convinced no real learning takes place without listening effectively!

I challenge you to put this into practice today.  Ask an open-ended question of someone younger or older than you and see what you learn.

Blessings!

Pastor Mark