The importance of listening

"Listening, not imitation, may be the greatest form of flattery." Joyce Brothers

To understand people (rather than to flatter them), it's important to listen to them. That's how we learn.

In this world where we feel pressed to multi-task, the fact remains that you cannot really listen to a person and do something else. Everyone needs to feel valued enough to be heard. Children need the full attention of their parents when they are telling them something.

It may take some self-discipline to break the multi-tasking habit. It's worth the effort to value people over the tasks at hand. Just as we want to be listened to, we can find the courtesy to listen to others.

It is a kindness to give our full attention to the people who have something to tell us. It says, "I value you. I respect you. I want to hear your opinion." It isn't necessary to agree with those opinions; it is important to be willing to hear them.

A Turkish proverb reminds us that, "If speaking is silver, then listening is gold."

The three "C"s

My friend, Wilma, has a son who was in the Miami-Dade Police Force for some years.

One time after a hard day, he commented to his mom that people today are missing the three "C"s.

1. Common sense
2. Common courtesy
3. Common decency

His astute observation gave me pause.

These qualities are called "common" because it is so obviously the nature of man in God's likeness to express good sense which plays out in respect for oneself and for others.

Lack of these is not natural, should be, in fact, uncommon.

So what can I do about it? I can start with myself, with a little self-examination:

• I can double-check my own words and decisions to make sure they are fair, sensible, and honest.
• I can be more patient and courteous.
• I think decency follows as a natural result of patience and courtesy.

And because it is mankind's nature to desire fairness and courteous and decent treatment at the hands of others, then this is a kind of prayer that the Creator answers in ways each of us can understand.

As we change our habits and behaviors to be more unselfish, we find these changes opening opportunities and paths we hadn't seen before.

That's just the way Life works.