Although I’m getting better, it can still be challenging to fully listen at times. Perhaps it’s because my mind is always racing on multiple things at once, or because I can get distracted with various ideas and interests at the same time.

No matter which it is, sadly it boils down to being more interested in my thoughts than theirs.

Ouch – hard to admit, but true, and I don’t like this tendency I have. It reminds me of the Proverb that says, “a person’s thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out” (Proverbs 20:5).

This speaks to my heart that there is wisdom in listening to others, and that when we listen we should do so with the intent to learn more about that person, and to connect with that person. As a result, we are in fact demonstrating love for that person!

This resonates because growing my capacity to love is one of my life’s greatest goals and pursuits. Why? Because for so long I have been so lousy at it.

I have been and can be, so “justifiably” selfish. So, to help eradicate this tendency, God repeats the wisdom and power behind becoming good at listening.

To listen well is to also love well. Because listening isn’t about us, it’s about the other person. It’s being in tune with another life, and caring enough about them to fully listen to them, and learn more about them.

May this be true for many of us who can find it difficult at times to listen. Let’s make it our intent to listen more – learn more – and as a result, love more.