How well do you listen?
I’m asking myself that question, not necessarily you. But, hey, if the question fits…
Seriously.
I’m wondering how well I listen.
The other day, I had a call from a professional friend who
wanted to “catch up.”
I think he really wanted me to catch up on all that had
happened with him.
We met in a restaurant, greeted each other, and sat down. He asked me
one question about my family and me.
And in the middle of my first sentence to answer him (and
no, it wasn’t a run-on sentence!), he took off about something that had
happened in his family.
And he never shut down.
Never. Until it was time to go to our next appointments.
I was listening to him, nodding my head, and waiting to see
if he needed help, advice, or what.
Nope.
Nothing.
I think he just needed to talk.
So, I let him.
Talk.
I listened.
I had nothing to say, no advice, but that’s good, because he
didn’t ask for any. I think he just
needed to debrief.
I’m good with that.
It’s a hard oilfield we work in.
Lord, help me to be a good listener, and a good friend. Give me ears to hear.
