Dear Younger Self,
You learned to talk late and have been making up for it ever since then. God gave you two ears and only one mouth for a reason. He wants you to be a great listener.
Remember how frustrated you used to get when you were talking to your dad and could tell that instead of paying attention to what you were saying, he was already busy formulating what would come out of his mouth next? You are just as guilty of this as he was. Don’t be so preoccupied with a response that you fail to hear the words that another person is expressing.
This can apply to any relationship at any time, from a quick chat with the grocery store checker to a heartfelt conversation with your husband. When others see that you are not listening to their words, they will be less likely to confide in you or accept your words. An unwillingness to actively listen keeps a relationship from growing.
Holding your tongue involves discipline and self-control, but it is so worth it in the end.
This post is part of a 31 Day Blogging Challenge entitled Advice to my Younger Self. Please click here to find all the posts in this series. You’ll be glad you did!
I’ve always said we have two ears and one mouth so we should listen much more than we talk.
I agree wholeheartedly, Amanda! God is wise to put us together the way that He did.