“You’re short on ears and long on mouth.”  ― John Wayne

For real. When did I get so bad at this? I feel like my ability to listen well gets worse with each passing year. Is it the number of children residing in my home? The buzz of activity that hums at a dull roar some days seems to deaden the senses.

I think parents of young children live in a state of constant distractedness.

Honestly, by Friday afternoon, if I hear “Hey, Mom” one more time, I want to climb right out of my skin.

How did I get here?

This bad habit/selfish coping mechanism carries over into my grown-up interactions. When did I get so focused on being heard that I trample all over your need for me to listen well? Sometimes I walk away from a conversation and realize I offered very little acknowledgement of what the person actually said.

But I’m learning. Especially through my desire to be  a writer. I’m watching body language and facial expressions and I’m realizing that most women battling an issue in their lives desperately long to hear someone say, “me, too.”

We’re starting an in depth study of the book of James on Monday. I don’t know about you, but when I think of James, the first verse that comes to mind is: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”

Of course God would put this opportunity right smack in the path of a wayward listener.

Today I’m linking up with Lisa Jo Baker for her amazing, authentic, community-building bloggy goodness known as Five Minute Friday. Won’t you join us? Click here

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