“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”
My master’s work was in Counseling Psychology. I love helping people glimpse what makes them tick and I enjoy the process of discovery. My son had a gift for this. Where I had to work and dig, he had the unique ability to quickly read the source of hurt, pain, or joy in another’s journey. It is why he was quick to overlook flaws and offer genuine acceptance and love. Since his memorial service last week, I have been awed by the sheer number of people, most with tears in their eyes, who talked to me about his deep, soul-level impact on their story. All of us are capable of compassion, and even when we can’t see another’s core struggles or history, we can assume the best and be kind. Beyond that, we can listen. The world is hungry to be heard, and it’s not hard to be a listener these days. We listen best with our mouths closed and our eyes focused on theirs. We don’t listen to respond, but, as Solomon tells us, we listen for insight and to create an environment where others can share. Listening at this level takes commitment. Here is where it gets hard. It’s easy to judge. Some of what we hear is ugly, crying out for correction. But that is not the need most often. Discovery for others comes as they hear their own heart drawn from their deep waters. Today, listen. #BeTheEdge
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19 NIV
