Day 64 – Thankful for people who care enough to listen

Thursday night I went with my husband to his ham radio Christmas party expecting no more than the polite conversation of new acquaintances. If nothing else, it would be a time to eat a good meal, to people watch, and to listen to conversations going on around me. (I know, sort of negative thinking, right?)

Well, God had other plans.

I sat next to a really nice lady and across the table from another one.

The lady next to me knew just how to get me talking, and when I started telling the two of them about my daughter’s health issues (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type III) both ladies were so kind and caring and asked questions wanting to know more!

I believe this is a quality that is pleasing to God. It is a quality that we all need to strive to achieve.

For many of us, this does not come naturally, but with lots of prayer and practice, we can get better at it.

God knew we would have troubles with both loving and listening (which is a way of showing that you value another person).

So, He commanded that we love one another,

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” – Jesus in John 13:34

and that we listen:

“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

So, today I am thankful for kind people who care enough to listen, and I am also thankful that He helps me to become a better listener as I get to know Him more.

What about you? Are you thankful for people who are good listeners? Does it make you feel good when someone shows you they care? How can you become a better listener, or how have you become a better at listener?