Are you listening to me?
In our world of cell phones, social media, and constant digital distractions, the art of listening is fading away.
During a care visit to a sweet, older veteran, I listened as he told stories of his history and experiences. We visited for hours, and his legacy profoundly impacted me. As I was leaving, this 90-year-old man took my hand and, with tears in his eyes, said, “Thank you for listening to me today. For really listening and caring about what I had to say. You heard me, and that hasn’t happened in a long time.”
Reflecting on that moment makes me wonder how often I may have failed to hear others. I turn 60 this year and realize the 
importance of listening on a deeper level. It’s easy for life’s busyness to overshadow genuinely hearing what people are saying. A quote that resonated with me says, “Listening is so close to loving that most people can’t tell the difference.” It isn’t about planning your response while waiting for the other person to stop talking. It doesn’t consist of smiling and nodding while you check out and let your thoughts drift. We’ve all played those games.
The simple act of listening touched my veteran friend and was also meaningful for me. What would I have missed if I hadn’t tuned in and listened to his heart? How many questions, hurts, or longings have we missed because we were too preoccupied?
The Bible offers examples of times during Jesus’ ministry when listening was crucial. The Samaritan woman at the well talked, and Jesus listened in a way that allowed him to understand her needs. He told her, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” (John 4:10).
In Proverbs 20:12, Solomon says, “Ears that hear and eyes that see—both are gifts from the Lord.” We have two ears, two eyes, and one mouth, which should remind us how important it is to listen more and talk less.
I’m praying that I will become a better listener and that we will all take the time to hear one another’s hearts. The better we listen, the more God can speak through us. Often, what we don’t say matters the most.