Do you know anyone who is an excellent listener ? Such individuals are rare, and are generally treasured by others. Of the four main communication skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening, experts in language agree that excellent listening the most difficult skill to acquire.
What trains someone to become a careful listener ?
Skilled listeners are usually people who have been listened to carefully. The greatest gift we can give to our children, and grandchildren, is to listen to them attentively. I remember listening carefully to my child’s first words, and even though I was busy, as all young moms are, I took the time to listen carefully, even when my son asked hundreds of questions, and commented about so many things. When our children are secure in the knowledge that we listen carefully to them, they generally become good listeners themselves, and communication skills are facilitated.
Let us ask God for the grace to listen carefully to others. It is an act of great generosity.
It is also likely that as we become more skilled in listening to others, we will become more able to discern the quiet gentle voice of the Holy Spirit when He speaks to us.
Theology of a Newfoundland Housewife 
We want others to be a good listeners but won’t like to listen to others.
Love the last line. 💗💗
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Yes, that is so true. Thanks for commenting. 🤗
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Great post, Sally. I have to keep reminding myself to keep my mouth shut and listen more! It’s a valuable skill to have.
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Thanks, Lesley. I also keep practising the skill of Listening more every day. 🤗
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Listening is indeed difficult to acquire. We all want to be heard. But, if we all speak who will listen? The Lord patiently listens to our prayers and our hearts, but most times we neglect to listen to Him. I agree with you that by developing our listening skills we will be more sensitive to the voice of God.
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Yes, Beverley, for sure.Let us ask for greater sensitivity to listen to God. He is always eager to speak to us. 🤗
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Nice Sally! I’m a pretty good listener but I’ve been guilty at times of “listening to respond.”
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I agree.:)
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One of my best friends, Patti, who sadly passed away four years ago, was the world’s best listener. I miss her! She taught me so much.
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You were blessed to have known such a kind and caring friend, who was a careful and empathetic listener.
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Being a good listener truly strengthens relationships 🙂 I love how you pointed out in the end that “It is also likely that as we become more skilled in listening to others, we will become more able to discern the quiet gentle voice of the Holy Spirit when He speaks to us.” That’s beautiful!
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Thanks, Yari ! 🤗
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The truth has been told in this post. Thanks for sharing your wonderful insight, Sally. I couldn’t agree more.
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