The Heart of Listening

“The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard.”

William Hazlitt

I believe God brings people into our lives all in His timing. Today was one of those times. 

I reconnected with a friend of mine that I haven’t seen in a while. We shared some good food, laughter, and some tears, but most importantly we both left with a heart knowing we were understood by each other. 

I often forget I look at a person from a distance and I think I really “know” who they are. But in reality, there is so much more to a person than what we see with our eyes. It’s when you have those conversations that involves having the strength to be vulnerable, a heart to be genuine, and being attentive to every word the person is saying. It’s when you are willing to fully immerse yourself in listening, you begin to know the person.  

Today, I could hear my friend hurting and the pain in her heart. I cannot fully understand everything she has gone through because her story is different from mine. But I want to see the brokenness my friend is carrying, is the beauty of knowing it’s all part of her journey. 

In 5 months I am going to meet people with so many different stories that are going to be beautiful and different from mine. People who will be carrying their struggles with them and I want to be the kind of person that listens. My hope is to see more and more that at the end of each day we are more alike than different. We all want to be understood and heard, but first, we must ask ourselves, am I willing to listen? 

Caili