My "Pearl of Value" today is practicable and important!
"Listening is a gift worth cultivating."
A young friend told me that he joined a "Speakers Club" to improve his public speaking skills. I applaud the intent to the group and the desire of my friend. If preachers were required to be members of such clubs, there would be less harangue from the pulpits, and shorter sermons!
"Speakers Clubs" are valuable, but is there a club dedicated to the art of listening? Let me know if you find one. All of us do a lot of talking. Can we learn to devote more time to listening rather than talking? All about us there is a great deal of talking, and shouting, too, but very little listening.
Many lost friendships and many family break-ups are traceable to the lost art of listening. When was the last time you listened attentively to others without interrupting?
Listening is not easy! It requires patience and a lot of caring, but the rewards of listening are great. When we listen to others we open channels of communication which enable us to touch and be touched so that all are enlarged.
The gift of listening was recognized as important by the ancient King Solomon who asked not for power or wealth, but for a "listening heart."
Peace,
Richard
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