Twice today I have caught myself talking away to someone without realizing that I was doing all the talking. My wife and kids will tell you this is a common problem for me:-) It may be, but today seemed especially bad. I felt like I wasn’t asking either of these people about themselves and then I felt a little embarrassed. It sure felt good to talk to someone though.

As I was reflecting on this I began to flip my thinking over. Many times people have come in for counseling and during the hour we spend together I talk very little. I ask a few questions and they go on and on about their struggles. Most people are not looking for a real solution they are looking for someone to listen to them.

All of us need times to vent our frustrations or share our joys or even work through our thoughts out loud. When a person comes into our life who is willing to listen they become an enormous blessing from God. Maybe that is why the Bible says in James 1:19 “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak …” There is a simple act of grace in listening to other people open up to us.

So my thought for today is to simply thank God for all the people who have taken the time to listen to me through the years. But also I am challenged to be a better listener. It might just brighten someone’s day.