It has been a busy and tiring few days including a full day of painting today (my day off). Had to have a MRI on Tuesday to determine how damaged my knee is. Ever since my spinal cord injury (occurred during neck surgery four years ago) I have had a weakness in my left side (sure beats the complete paralysis I experienced after the surgery). This has resulted in extra wear on the left knee. And about a month ago I felt a bit of a "pop", hence the MRI, etc. Nothing too serious - good bit of arthritis, sprained MCL, and slight tear of the Miniscus. A little rehab and some steroids and I'll be much better.
I want to share a brief devotional word from the Personal Growth Study Bible on Proverbs 18:13 which reads:
"He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him."
"This proverb reminds us that it's foolish to respond to what another person is saying before we have really listened to them. What is real listening?
Real listening is an active process. We focus on what the other person is saying and feeling, not on what we are going to say next.
Real listening is reflective. We respond to what the other person is saying and feeling, often restating the other person's thoughts and feelings to make sure that we understand them.
Real listening is responsive. Healthy relationships must have two-way communication. As others open up their lives to us, we respond by sharing ourselves with them. In the process, we come to understand no just what the other is saying, but also to understand each other."
I thought this was well stated, and it is a subject all of us should consider. Obviously, all manner of relationships would be better served if we all developed a listening ear.
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