Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Are You Hard Of Hearing?

I just got back from a hospital visit. A couple in our church experienced the birth of their first child. Cute kid. I'm so glad I went to visit them because not only did I get to see their baby but I got to connect with this couple on a whole new level. This visit gave me a glimpse into their lives, their hopes and their dreams, how they met and what really matters to them.

As I left the hospital I was thinking, that was so cool. Here's the thing that I tend to forget as a pastor, leader, whatever... is that everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has something to say about where they've been, what they've done, what they dream and the hopes they have. Everyone has lived some kind of life to this moment. Those lives are meant to be shared, those stories are meant to be told. Is anyone listening?

25 years ago I worked in a nightclub. That experience caused some permanent damage to my hearing but there is another kind of hearing loss that comes from a self-centered obsession. That kind of hearing loss can be corrected but not without showing a genuine interest in others. I know many people, myself included, who want to be great leaders but I'm realizing more and more that leading starts with listening. So, how's your hearing?

6 comments:

QC15 said...

Great insight into our hearing. I remember my mother telling me when my father would sometimes not respond to a question or discussion, that he hears only what he wants to hear. Thankfully, God doesn't work like that. He hears AND responds to us every time. Blessings to you and your family and church.
Doug Boyd

momhas4 said...

And isn't it amazing that God knows all our stories and how they will end. Good blogging Cousin!

Alasdair said...

good stuff PT.

Shmarla said...

is the hearing loss thing why you yell a lot?! :)

j/k...good blog, pt. simply put but with great insight

John Allen, Phoenix, AZ said...

Listening is so hard at times. But, is truly necessary for anyone who spends time with God. Listening also develops patience. It is all part of the equation. Great job on you first blog...

Elaine said...

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, . . . James 1:19 - What a difference it would make!

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