Daily Meditation for Thursday, April 18

Listening to someone is indeed a fine art. It demands one’s full attention … one’s two ears, two eyes, and one’s heart. It says to the one speaking that what they have to say is worth listening to. It is an affirmation for the one speaking when those who listen have their full attention on what is being said. One can learn so much just from really listening to what others have to say. Even children notice when others listen to them. Little Joey said he loved his uncle Jim the best because, “When I talk to him, he listens with his eyes.” Thus good listening demands both ears, both eyes, and one’s heart. A retired war veteran sat in his wheelchair by the restaurant and listen to people. The business at the restaurant doubled! Listening is indeed a very fine art!

By Kathy Rademacher, OSB