At Dunkin’ Donuts the other morning, my daughter was telling me what she wants to be when she grows up: a school teacher. She’s put a lot of thought into this.
I was glad to listen. I sat quietly, imagining her future. It was such a joy. A memory I’ll keep for a long while.
While others are speaking – do you listen? What I so often do, unfortunately, is busy my brain with thoughts about what I want to say next. Usually it’s only advice that I think I need to share with them. Never mind that they aren’t asking (let alone needing) my advice.
Listening is a lost art. Who will take it up again? Many people are hurting, lonely, because there’s no one to listen to them.
What we may learn is that it’s a holy art – to listen to the heart of another. May you give this gift to those you love.