Really listen

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a sentence when you suddenly couldn't remember the next word or the name you wanted to say? Like it was on the tip of your tongue, but you just couldn't get it? As it turns out, new research says these instances are less common for aerobically fit individuals than they are in sedentary people because exercise can help power the areas of your brain that control language processing. Meaning, runners like you are probably quicker to find the words you're trying to say.

And while being able to find our words quickly can certainly be a good thing, saying them too quickly many times is not. You see, when you and I don't take the time to really listen when another person is speaking, and consistently talk more than we allow the other person, we convey the idea that we are not really interested in, or respect, what that person has to say - which could very well discourage them from opening up to us more. James certainly understood that and so cautioned us to "be quick to listen" and "slow to speak." Doing this will not only ensure that we hear the other person's words correctly, but will show that we truly care about them and what they have to say.

So may you and I make the decision today to really take the time to listen to others. Because as Bryant McGill writes, "One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that being quick with our words is not always a good thing. Help us to remember that we have two ears and only one mouth for a reason and to truly take the time to intently listen to others and especially to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

We are listening - Steven Curtis Chapman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5HRGhKAfnY