Listen

Have you ever had a day that was jam packed full of things, a little stressful, but you look back on it and just sigh and wish it could happen all over again? I would say I’ve experienced this many times. The obvious being my wedding day! As much as I would love to lay out every detail of Caleb and I’s wedding day and talk about how magical and beautiful it was (because it was) the day I’m talking about now happened to be yesterday. 

Just a regular old Thursday which happens to be my favorite day of the week. It’s always been my favorite because of the anticipation of the week ending. The feeling that the weekend is close but not so close that you’ll blink and it’s gone, that’s how Friday feels to me. Anyways, yesterday like I said earlier was a jammed packed day but was just so sweet. 

I started my day cooking a huge pot of chili for two of the couples that go to our church. Both of them had been having health problems and hadn't gotten to come to church in a while so as a church we decided we needed to give them some food! 

Recently I’ve discovered how therapeutic cooking is to me. I’ve always laughed off cooking and said I was bad at it, but now that I’m married I’ve really grown to love it (I’m determined to become the pioneer woman). So getting to wake up and make a huge pot of chili was actually really fun! My favorite part though was delivering it, and the lovely conversations I had that I will never forget.

Each home I went to invited me in, asked me if I had time to sit down, and offered me a drink. I loved the feeling of being so welcome in someones home. If someone is at my door I will most likely hide from them (i understand in certain situations it is good not to answer the door) or barely open the door and peak out and give a timid hello. I just loved the feeling of being invited in so warmly, it made me feel so appreciated and loved. :)

Getting to sit down with these wise couples and hear their stories was such a wonderful experience. Not only would they tell their stories but they would ask me mine! They were so interested and intently listened to me in a way that was so respectful. Often times in conversations with others I catch myself passively listening. Hearing the words yet conjuring up what I’m going to say next. Being so quick to tell them what I want them to know and my stories and not showing them the respect they deserve. 

The power of listening to people is greater than I have ever realized. Being able to welcome someone into your home and just sitting down with them and talking about their life is so beautiful. Actively listening to others is something I have made my focus lately. 

Caleb and I have recently made these amazing friends that we met at church (shoutout to Colin and Corrie if they read this) and I have had to catch myself wanting to spew every detail about my life. I want them to know every funny story, every adventure I’ve been on, just everything! I’ve had to put myself in check and close my mouth and just listen. Ask them questions instead of focusing on what I’ll say next. 

God has given everyone a story. Our stories are meant to be shared, but we are also meant to listen to others. I want to challenge y’all to sit down with a friend and just listen to their story. Don’t come into the conversation with an agenda just simply sit and listen. You will be amazed how much you learn about them. They will know they are loved, respected, and appreciated by you and they might ask you to share your story as well!

Verse on listening:

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” ~ James 1:19

“When there are many words, sin is unavoidable,

but the one who controls his lips is prudent.” ~ Proverbs 10:19

“a time to tear and a time to sew;

a time to be silent and a time to speak;” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:7

“Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent—

discerning, when he seals his lips.” ~ Proverbs 17:28