My Opinion Doesn't Mean Much

   We engage in conversations every day with people from different walks in life! It really doesn't matter which one of us begins the conversation just as long as both are taking part in it. One does most of the talking while the other does the listening. At least, that's the way it works in our own minds, right?

   But the reality of most conversations is the fact the both parties, and in some cases groups of people, attempt to drive the conversation towards themselves. That's just the way human behavior goes! We are all self~promoters. We want to talk about `us`! Human history is full of self~promoters and today's society is certainly no different. There hasn't been much in the way of progression to a more selfless society! After all, we have to make time for that `selfie` moment, don't we?

   What is most often overlooked is the notion that the other person really doesn't care about your life and the events of it. They aren't required to. If you are guided by a biblical worldview, then that part of listening falls upon you and me!  We are the ones who need to show great interest in what the other is
saying and expressing. This may tug at our freshly nature but it isn't hard to
do.

   That old saying comes to mind, and I have quoted it on numerous occasions, ..people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care!..It's plain and simple. The best things in life usually are! That axiom is
both powerful and liberating, if it is applied it can help bring about better
relationships for all of us.

   So the question becomes, do we care enough to make a change and thereby
make a difference? To engage in a two~sided conversation is far better than
being in a totally one~sided one! When we are `trapped` in a lopsided conversation we stop listening after a while. Right?

   Whatever the day brings in the way of meeting with someone and taking part in a meaningful conversation, making a conscious effort to listen twice as much as we talk usually brings a greater respect from the other person and can end up making a friend where there wasn't one before! This concept really is liberating when we decide to do it!

   Remember, we have two ears and only one mouth. What does that say to us?


jeffpendleton

7/6/16