Keep Calm and Listen
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If there is one trait that my parents, spiritual siblings and boyfriend have in common, it is their art of listening to people. For me, listening means they don't interrupt nor wait for me end right away so they could speak their thoughts. Listening also means they have undivided attention, hence, one of my pet peeves if they do the opposite.
Parents
I grew up in a family who values quality time. We eat meals together and listen to each other's stories that a lot of time it take us more than 2 hours in the dining table. Whenever I ask permission (hang outs, trips, birthday parties,sleepover), they don't automatically allow nor decline without listening to the details. When they let me to attend activities, they always remind to do the things one without being legalistic. On the contrary, they explain to me intently the reasons why they don't grant my request. Surely there are times when I don't understand them, but the way they speak to me is just too overwhelming--in a VERY loving and kind way.
When I was in college, they never fail to communicate with me and asked me how am I doing, not just with my academics but even in my personal life (including love life). There was a time when they knew that a guy was making DA moves, instead of lecturing and telling me not to entertain suitors, my mother did the other way around. She became so involved and updated with the guy. She told the guy about being patient (he promised! LOL) and she encouraged me to wait. Until such time that we lost communication and I can't thank God enough for what my Mama did.
Siblings-in-Christ
DESPITE that he was so indifferent when we first met, he is still one of my TOP-listening friends. I could spend several hours with him simply talking about everything. May it be about Bob Ong, rice toppings, sabaw jokes, cultural shows, hopeless romantic stories, bitterness, plans, movie reviews, spirituality and even toothbrushes. Despite how annoying I was and probably am, his patience in listening to my redundant what-nots is just...amazing! There are times when I can't imagine how he survived his college life with the melodramatic and random me. Thanks Japsqwerty!
I can't begin to express how grateful I am for this woman. Our friendship started all because of listening. Wait, that was more like eavesdropping and the rest is history. She listens so well to almost all of us. She's an absorber, a secret-keeper and the list goes on. Our common friends even label her as 'all-knowing'.
She's the accountability partner that many would want to have, thus, she's a listener who speaks by and with grace. She never condemned me for what I've done to her/others. *sobs* , I firmly believe that it is God who enabled her to do all those things.
Boyfriend
I used to believe that we are similar (except for the physique.huhu) not just in preferences over things, but even views in life. As we journey as a couple, I learned that we are not entirely compatible. We have different desires, even different things that please and irritate us. These blossomed into conflicting ideas. The amazing part though is we learned to solve disagreements without arguing. Yes that is possible. How did we meet in the middle? The answer is through listening; by putting our defenses down and understanding each other. It allowed us to affirm each other's perspective without speaking harshly and pointing how illogical the point of the other party is.
God
I've always believed that we have a listening Heavenly Father, but truthbetold, there are times when that attribute of His is somewhat clouded when prayers are not being answered right away. Impatient lang sa?
Few weeks back, I did not spend quiet QUIET time with Him because I was dishearted by an unanswered prayer (in my terms). That also meant very minimal listening to His Word. I rarely prayed until I was so consumed with the mistakes in the past and I fell into THAT trap again.
While I was so weary and drowned over THAT trap, a VERY DIFFICULT circumstance suddenly popped into picture (hoping to share with you the full story soon). My heart was grieved and my spirit embittered. That's why I decided to give up and admitted that I can't solve the problem. I also acknowledged that He alone can do it and deliver me from that misery.I then decided to come back to Him and it was very timely that my quiet time is on Psalm 73. The whole passage perfectly depicts my situation. I was reminded of His Sovereignty (v.28) and that my flesh and heart may fail but God is my strength (v.26). His Word comforted my soul and made me reaffirm that He listens. He always listens.
Something to ponder:
Despite knowing that God is the best listener, why do neglect Him at times?
