I am not wild about sharing my flaws with others, but the Lord has been bringing one to my attention, so here’s my confession:  I have developed a bad habit of interrupting people when they are speaking.  So juvenile…so embarrassing.  It’s not something I do all the time, but I notice myself having a tendency to interrupt when I am having lunch with my colleagues.  Why?  Maybe it is an over-eagerness to fit in, to share, to be a part of the group.  Yet, I am learning to hush this desire to talk, talk, talk, and listen instead.

     The power of effective listening is so under-estimated.  In listening, I can show my colleagues, friends, family, and husband (he’s especially important) the greatest sign of respect simply by listening intently and giving them my full attention.  I am convince that many (most?) people rarely get the gift of another person’s open ears and undivided attention.  I want to learn to give this gift, to listen with interest and poise, and no worries about when I am going to get to talk.  Ha. 

     Here is my verse for the day from James 1:19-20

My dear brothers, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.