The story...
When I was young, I was a bit awkward and felt a tad outside the groups that I longed to be accepted by. I learned to find acceptance by being interesting, funny, and engaging in group situations - the "story teller." The persona I worked out seemed to help me be accepted - to feel okay. My "style" of being might've been less problematic if I'd learned to listen to and respect others too - wanting the same for others as I wanted for myself.
I was talking when I should've been listening, understanding, and growing. Where did I miss the lesson that it's better to first understand than to be understood (Steven Covey)? Did I talk to much in an effort to be respected and accepted? Yes, the acronym W.A.I.T. would've been helpful for me in conversation: Why Am I Talking?
When the word of God is read in the only church in town, might we listen rather than seek to find ways to invalidate "The Message?" The message will likely conflict with our self concept of how the world works best for us. Many of us construct, an operate within, and elaborate "house of cards," virtually erected, through our imagination and mental gyrations - reality is a better place to live.
Just for today...
"I will not yield to my compulsion to go on talking after I have made my point - and what I say will have a direct relevance to the subject of the meeting." One Day at a Time (p. 353)
"Walls are disappearing, and love and community are growing and expanding." Hope for Today (p. 353)
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