Could We Have Been A Better Person ?
A Better Listener?
Author: Pat Aman
Planted deep in all of us, and sternly repressed most of the time, is the uncomfortable feeling that we should be better persons than we are.
We know that we’re not living up to our full potential, that in reality we’re not so kind, considerate, unselfish or compassionate as we’d like to be, or as God would like us to be.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if some great benevolent sponge could sweep across the blackboard of our lives, erasing all our errors and shortcomings? Wouldn’t it be grand to have a fresh start?
Why is it so easy to make resolutions and so hard to keep them?
Partly, I think, because old thought and behavior patterns are reinforced by one of the strongest forces in human nature– Habit. And partly, no doubt, because we bite off more than we can chew in an effort to fix everything at once.
But suppose we decided to break down our self-importance into twelve parts and work on only one part during the course of each month? I’m going to give it a try and I hope you’ll join me. I’ll choose a simple one to work on during
September.
It is learning to listen. How do I know I need to become a better listener?
First I was with a group of people and we were sharing thoughts for future plans. And I realize a person in the group had to stop our conversation and interject on every comment made. And I would politely try to lead the convent back to the important discussion and not listen constantly to their constant life sorry.
Then, I it made me stop and think, do I do that at times?
Through the years I have learned to listen and only speak when it was necessary. I do not have to have an opinion on every subject.
But, too many people do not listen, because they are to busy rehearsing in their head what they are going to say when the person stops talking, or takes a breath.
That is when self ego steps in and Father God has to step out.
There are people whom desire to monopolize the center of the stage and deliver all the lines. And these are the times things fall apart and words are misspoken.
This month, we all need to try to talk less and listen more. And not just
listen to other people but listen for hidden messages; the hunger for
appreciation, the need for reassurance, the unexpressed but still unmistakable (to the careful Listener) cry for help.
The good Lord gave us two ears, but only one tongue. He had His reasons.
All through the rest of September we need to try and remember this EGO/Not Listening problem.
Revelation 3:6 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith……”
Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman Book © 1996/2022 “Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals” “Coffee With A Little Spice Of Life” and Westbow Press a division of © Thomas Nelson and Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910976……….
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