My father would say:
“You have two eyes, two ears, and one mouth. Use them in that order and in that proportion.”

But as is usually the case, his wisdom came well after I had done the opposite.

I have a friend who while exchanging pleasantries said they were okay. Consumed by thoughts of the business at hand, the subject quickly changed.

It wasn’t until we parted ways that the weight of our encounter hit me. Was there more to okay than just okay? How blind was I not to notice? How trivial was our discussion in the light of eternity? Or in the state of their heart… or mine?

Reaching deeper could have offered the opportunity to speak of things that mattered.
Or just a kind shoulder to lean on if only for a moment.

I felt the pain of not listening beyond the words.

 

Then my morning prayers read:

Lay not the misusing of my morning hours to my charge. While there is yet time, let me bring the day to victory.
May I forget myself and work the work of Him who sent me here.
Deliver us from all unkindness, from offense given or taken.
May my soul never murmur at Thine gentle chastisement and Fatherly correction.

Regret settled in deeper.

Perhaps there was more I should have said.

But therein lies the problem.

Perhaps there was more the Lord would have had me say… or not.

Father, please forgive my weakness. Help me make amends for my carelessness and to do what You would have me do.

To learn.

To listen.

 

Reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and tell me your story. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.