Listen without interruption.
I have to admit, more often than I like, I’m bad at this. I listen to correct or train my children. I listen to defend with certain people. I listen to encourage and empathize with others, but when do I just listen without interruption?
I have a friend who is going through some tough stuff … heartbreaking, tough stuff. And with her, I’m learning how to listen without interruption.
I admit to her I don’t have any answers. I don’t have encouragement to offer except, “I’m praying for you, all the time.”
Sometimes, our friends don’t need advice. They simply need us to listen. To care. To offer a hug or a shoulder or a brownie. To be quiet and let them talk.
How hard (or easy) is it for you to just listen when a friend is hurting … or just needs to be understood?
© Cheri Swalwell 2019
Always appreciate your words of wisdom which I know are God led. You are a blessing and a special friend.