Giving

"Becoming generous in listening can transform our relationships."  

This is a quote from the book I'm reading entitled One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity by Debbie Macomber.  This is the book I previously posted about that is changing some of the way I think, act, and just live my life.  It is a fantastic book and I am using it as a personal study.  I just hope the library lets me renew it! 

We live in a world that doesn't seem to encourage face-to-face conversation.  We have cells/texting, Facebook or other social networking sites, the Internet and chat rooms (ugh...I hate those!), and IM.  We also have television/cable vying for our attention.  If we have our faces staring at a computer screen for hours, or our ears to a cellphone constantly, what does that say about our relationships??

I will never forget the day in the summer of 2009 when I had a friend from church over to my house.  We were just starting to get to know each other and I shared with her much of my testimony of my spiritual journey as well as a major struggle.  I will never forget the feeling that came over me that she seemed totally "with" me.  She listened.  She didn't ask lots of questions. She didn't judge. She didn't react in a negative way. She cared. She listened.  And then she asked me if I would listen to her story.....of parts of her own life and struggles.  I was honored.  I listened.  And in listening, I learned so much. I learned how I could pray for her.  I learned how I could try to be a friend.  I learned to share my prayer journaling and to hear from God for others.  To encourage others.  I will always treasure that day.....a day I first knew I had a friend in Christ who could be a prayer partner and who understood how to listen. Oh how I miss her!! (another story!)

There is a unity when 2 people share the deep things of God.  When they share emotional pain or struggles. A deeper respect for the person comes into play and a deeper love.  We often empathize with one another when each person is truly listening.  

What a gift we can give!!  This is yet another way to be generous.  To just listen.  To allow someone to be important.  To allow someone to share the hurts, pain, struggles, hardships, praise reports, victories and testimonies.  To share each other's prayer requests.  

And we need to listen to our Savior!  We are so good at talking to God.  For asking Him for things, or for help, wisdom, patience, etc.  We are even good at interceding for others.  BUT...what about just sitting and listening for that still, small Voice?  Do we take the time?

I am trying to do that even more in this new year.  I know I need to listen more with my husband.  Our communication could use LOTS of improvement and we need to give each other the gift of listening a bit better than we've had in recent months.  It is important for our marriage relationship.

But...even more important is our relationship with the Lord.

Something that I desire to do more of is prayer journaling.  I did this several times over the last few years but lately I haven't practiced this discipline as often as I'd like.  One of my new year resolutions was to turn off the laptop more in the evenings, and sit with my Bible and journal and just talk with God.  And listen. And write what I hear.  When I do this, it strengthens my relationship with my Savior.  I can go deeper with Him.  How I yearn to do that!

And I can hear Him more and know it is Him, when I spend that time.  Just like in the earthly marriage relationship, it works in our spiritual marriage!  And it will transform us.......

Give generously......be a listening ear.  If someone contacts you, give him or her your time...and the gift of your ear.

It is a precious gift........and a way to be generous.  One Simple Act.

The gift of listening......

(and for those of you who missed it, scroll down to read a book review of a fantastic book!)