Noticing Our Reactions

James gives the order plainly: quick to hear, slow to speak. Yet I often reverse it. I’m quick to speak — not so quick to listen.

Am I afraid my voice won’t matter?

Do I believe my thought is more urgent?

Am I uncomfortable with silence?

Sometimes I wonder if interrupting is my way of being validated — making sure I am heard, making sure I am not overlooked.

Perhaps if during conversation my ‘important’ thought is forgotten, it may not have been as urgent as I believed.

Listening shows patience. It let’s the other person know you are present, that you care. Listening is active love.

I’m learning to practice listening by pausing, letting others finish, asking one more question before offering my reply.

During this Lent season, before responding in conversation, I will try counting silently to three and repeating: “Quick to hear.”