"Listening"

I can’t hear what you’re thinking,

Though I’ve given my best try,

Guess you’ll have to think it louder,

Or else you’ll wonder why,

I’m not paying close attention,

Reckon ‘bout to bounce that check,

Overdrawn ‘cause I spent it,

And now, oh, what the heck.

I pray, O Lord, have mercy,

I want to get this right,

Give my best to those I love,

And walk out in the light.

So gather what I scatter,

And help me make some sense,

Of all the things that pull me,

And get off of the fence,

Of spending too much effort,

On far too many things,

Just help me get some focus,

On what the Good Lord brings.

And what He says that matters,

And it’s all about the love,

We have for one another,

With power from above.

Learn to listen better,

And have a servant’s heart,

Bear fruit of the Spirit,

And always do our part,

To give our best attention,

To those who need it most,

Our families and loved ones,

And in Christ make our boast.

For He will give His blessing,

On all who share the grace,

So let it flow, Lord Jesus,

And help us run this race.

And it is by the Spirit,

That I hear just what you think,

Empathize and sensitized,

And never let you sink.

Love Him with all our passion,

And let that love spill out,

Onto everybody,

For that’s what life’s about.

“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other…” (1 John 4:11, NLT)

So much of showing love is giving someone our attention and listening to them. Problem is, we’re easily distracted. By what? Texts and social media messages of all kinds, whatever is loudest or most attractive, and the latest, newest offer to make life better- diet, high-tech gizmo, newest phone, app, headline or ad. We’re so absorbed with the noise I think we have sometimes forgotten the art of quiet, uninterrupted conversation, with no pressure or schedule or agenda. Being with someone means we learn to connect with them in ways that make them feel valuable and cared for and about. Isn’t it wonderful how much attention God has shown us? Isn’t His availability and accessibility something to celebrate? He has shown us and continues to show us what it means to attentively, sensitively, and passionately love someone. And that’s exactly what we need to pass along to others. We can, and because we can, we should.

Lord, help us love others the way You love us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, markmaggiori.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.