We live in an age besieged with communication devices – smart phones, Ipads, pagers and emails that chirp continuously.
Facetime, Skype and voice mail.
Twitter, Facebook and I-messages.
Some people even still talk in person. LOL
It seemed rather incongruous that in a society of supersophisticated communication, we often suffer from a shortage of listeners.
Erma Bombeck
I listened in church on Sunday. I sit up front since I help with the opening worship and the children’s sermon, so the entire congregation is behind me. I can’t see them when I am in the pew as my back faces them, but I can hear them. And I listened Sunday.
I closed my eyes and felt the beat of the music. I heard the preschoolers’ innocent voices recite the Lord’s Prayer. I caught the swish of the hymnal pages being turned behind me. My ears picked up the voices of fellowship, worship and prayer.
I listened this Sunday.
I thanked God for the amazing gift of hearing.
Sometimes, maybe even too often, I complain about noise. But today I am grateful I can hear.
Huffington Post Good News ran this article and video last week about the amazing moment when a deaf person hears for the first time. When I finished watching it, I was even more grateful for the gift of hearing. Take a couple of minutes to watch it there. (sorry they do start with a very brief ad)
I wonder if God delights when he hears my voice.
I wonder what it will be like to hear God face to face someday.
I wonder what miracle I am missing when I don’t listen deeply to the person right in front of me.
Opportunities are often missed because we are broadcasting when we should be listening.
Author Unknown
Listening is like the shadows of a painting, adding depth to the scene.
Listening enhances core emotions – the joys and anguish of a moment.
Listening connects us to one another in ways we don’t often understand, but somehow know its truth.
I plan to listen this week. I want to take the time to appreciate the “spring is almost here” chirping of the birds, the relaxing chanting of a cat’s purring, and even the rhythm of my hubby’s snoring.
I will give thanks when my car starts. When I get a phone call from my grandchildren. When I hear coffee being ground in the kitchen.
I will be grateful for laughter, the splatter and splash of water and maybe even the buzz of the alarm in the morning.
We have so many abilities we take for granted. For this week though, I will be thankful for the gift of hearing.
What have you been thankful for lately?
“Some people even still talk in person”…the best line I’ve read all day!!!!!
You made me smile with your comment, Melissa. We do need that real human contact at least part of the time
This is such a good reminder to keep our ears open and truly listen to what is going on around us! Just the other day I was thinking about the chirping of the birds in the morning and the tree frogs at night! Oh how I had missed those sounds this winter and when I realized they were back I was overjoyed! I just love spring! Thank you for this reminder to listen not only to the background noise we often ignore and also others around us! And to not just hear what they are saying but really LISTEN to what they are saying! There is a difference! 🙂
The sounds of spring sure do lift the spirit, don’t they Amy? Oh i miss them too and am ready to enjoy them soon I hope
Me too!
I am thankful for my time. These days my time disappears. But, I am learning to be thankful for every minute and make the best use of my time by any means necessary. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by, DeeDee
This is a great reminder to be thankful for the little things. When life is overwhelming, taking time to appreciate these simple gifts can be a real attitude adjustment! I’m learning to be thankful for the clutter in my life because it means I’m home with my beautiful, healthy little girls who sure know how to make messes! 🙂
Thankful for clutter is amazing. I know I would have to work on that one but again the blessings of little giggles and hugs certainly make up the difference. Thanks for sharing that
Great post! When I begin to feel overwhelmed by everything around me, I like to stop and close my eyes and listen. There’s a comfort there. Just last week my 9 year old son was watching a cartoon. I knew the character was voiced by an actor he liked a lot. I asked him to close his eyes and instead of looking at the character to listen his voice. Immediately he knew who the voice belonged and he thought it was so cool! It’s amazing what we can pick up on when we choose to listen more.
What a neat story, Julie. Hearing is a powerful tool if we just use it, isn’t it?
I love those videos showing people hear their loved ones for the first time. I’m thankful that my family is healthy, I’m thankful that my husband is wonderful, and being a stepfather he steps right into the role of father even when he didn’t have to. Life is good 🙂
That video is very powerful. Yes you have lots to be thankful for it sounds. Blessings on you!
I am thankful for my healthy family. I am even thankful when I listen to my dog’s barking. To others I know the sound of a barking dog is annoying, but I love to hear her excited barks when a loved one is coming home or the curious barks she makes when the mailman or a neighbor is passing by.
I am smiling because many comments have been about barking dogs – you are one of the first to find the good in that so I appreciate that addition to this conversation. Thanks Mary
I go outside a lot with the puppies. A bird sat near us the other day. I love hearing the sound of spring.
Sounds of spring – yes a great sound to be thankful for. May we have many more days of that ahead. Thanks, Dawn
I work in cubicle land, so I hear everything! When I want peace, I put my headphones in and listen to music. I love doing yoga and listening to the sound of my breath. It’s a special feeling when the entire class is breathing as one. I am thankful for being able to relax right now…just laying in bed and reading blog posts. 🙂
Yoga really does help one center and find silence. That is a great method. I worked for a while in a cubicle too so know how hard that is to concentrate. I never did go a good job there as I did in a private office. Blessing on the rest of your week.
I just love this! I often take my hearing for granted and realize how great it is to be able to hear. It’s even greater to hear the voice of God speak through the little things. I believe He certainly used you in the post. Thanks so much for this beautiful reminder to cherish the gift of hearing. I look forward to reading more of your blessed blogs!
Thanks Stephanie for your kind words. I hope you do come back and visit.
Thanks for the reminder to be grateful of all the little things in life. In this day of age, it’s so easy to get easily distracted by well, everything. I have three kids under 5 so it’s hardly ever silent in my home, except at night (sometimes) when I try to finish work. I do cherish those times, and I will try to cherish even the craziness!
I bet with three kids you can’t find much silence. Cherish the craziness – that is great advice you wrote. I will remember that the next few days as we entertain a houseful of company and I am yearning for some quiet time. Thanks
I think my first response got lost in cyber space! I love this post ~ what a great reminder to be thankful for something that many times I am guilty of taking for granted! Although, as I am sitting here listening to my fur babies bark at each other…… 😉
You are the second one who mentioned barking dogs. mmm, that could get annoying but I would think also a moment of gratefulness that they are good companions. My daughter just lost her 18 year old cat – and misses her even though she had messes. Hard to be thankful for the messes but loved her company. Blessing on your week, Melissa.
I was feeling rushed when I sit down to read your post, but as I started reading it I paused and decided to slow down, I’m feeling pretty beat-up and overwhelmed today and this made me stop and think about all the little things I am thankful for. Thank you for a great post that spoke to me at least
Thank you for your kinds words. Glad my post helped. I know that often happens to me too as I read other blogs. Such a gift we give each other. Thanks for stopping by.
It’s true we need to be more thankful for the things we take for granted. Hearing is definitely one of those! Now if only I could feel “thankful” for hearing my neighbors’ dogs barking all the time. 😉 Listening & truly HEARING is becoming a lost art I’m afraid with our dependence on digital devices encouraging ADHD-like behavior among adults & children alike. With your encouragement, I will try to be more mindful of listening & being grateful for the things that I’ve become too comfortable to notice.
I agree all of the gadgets are a barriers to good human to human listening. I think we are losing that too. And not too sure how grateful I could be about the barking dogs next door. I appreciate that would be a struggle. Thanks though for stopping by this week and commenting
I have so many blessings! Even though I’m newly widowed, I have an amazing teenage son; wonderful friends and family, a roof over our heads, a car that’s paid for and runs, food in the kitchen…a few dollars in the bank. God is good!
I am so sorry for your recent loss but sure sounds like you have been finding blessings around you. That will bring you some comfort and give you lots of hope I am sure. Blessings!
I like taking time to consider what I am grateful for. I like to write them down often. I am grateful for loving, supportive, funny husband, the warming weather and flowers coming up. I am grateful for my imagination and for hope.
Grateful for family and hope and imagination are great things to not take for granted. I like that you included imagination, something many of us forget about and its importance. Writing down our blessings also helps. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment
I am thankful for life, so much tragedy has occurred recently. Either connected to me or someone I know. I thank God that in each occasion there has been support and I have prayed for help for those who didn’t have any. Your article has made me remember to be thankful for everything I have and will have.
I am glad my words encouraged you in a difficult time. It is difficult to find those blessings in the midst of tragedy but if we keep our hearts and eyes open, we will see them. Blessing on your journey.
I’m thankful to be surrounded by people I truly care about and just thankful for little and big things, in general. Thanks for the reminder of just being grateful.
Glad you hear what you are thankful for Theresa. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Beautiful! I am thankful that the birds are singing earlier, which means Spring is really on its way… God is good, and I am thankful for His many blessings!
Thanks Holly for your kinds words. I am excited about spring too. God is good!
My college degree is in the education of the hearing impaired. I’m grateful everyday for my hearing. I hate that feeling of water in my ears, or an ear infection, because it changes my hearing. I also cherish my sight. The thought of having grandchildren someday and not being able to hear or see them reminds me everyday to take care of my eyes and ears.
With your special training Darlena I imagine you have a tender place in your heart for the hearing impaired and a deeper appreciation of that sense. Yes the thought of not hearing or seeing grandkids – and what a special gift they are – would be a loss. Thanks for commenting
What a Beautiful Article. Thank you for sharing. I think we sometimes, I know I do, forget to be grateful for the everyday things…like hearing, sight, functioning hands and feet. I appreciate the reminder to be grateful for hearing. Have a Fabulous Day!
Thanks Becky. I too forget at times and that video was a good reminder. So many blessings we have to be grateful for, aren’t there? May you have a blessed week.
I am so grateful for my hearing. I have a friend who is hearing impaired and she’s made me realize how much I take for granted. I especially love listening to the sound of rain or the waves lapping against the sand. As a co-worker of mine who beat stage 4 lymphoma says, “Any day above ground is a good day!”
When we know someone who can’t hear or can’t walk or can’t see, it does makes us more aware of this wonderful gift we have. So glad your friend beat cancer and has a positive attitude to share. yes every morning, every new day is a gift too. Thanks for sharing.
Jeanie, I am so grateful for my hearing as well. When I speak to leaders, I share with them that one of the most valuable assets is active listening. There is an Irish Proverb, “God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we ought to listen twice as much as we speak.” Along with my hearing, I am just as grateful for my eyesight. It is beautiful thing to see the colors of our word. Thank you God for my hearing and eyesight. Jeanie, thank you for reminding us of the small, but valuable things we sometimes overlook. – Bryant
Thank you for your kinds words, Bryant. I think that Irish proverb you shared is perfect. Blessings on your week
Hearing is such an important thing. My neighbor has diabetes, and It became so serious, that it seriously damaged her hearing. She barely hears anything without that machine in her ear. Peolpe often forget about how lucky that they have health.
http://thinkingbeautyblog.blogspot.hu/
yes we have so many blessings we take for granted. Thanks for stopping by my blog. glad we connected.
What a beautiful post. Yes – it’s so easy to take things and all our abilities for granted. I am truly grateful for my family and especially the light of my life, my daughter. When I just stop what I’m doing and look at her and listen to every word she says – I just sit there in awe. She may not always listen :), but she hears me, and she understands me and we have the most amazing communication that a mom can have with a 3 year old. I do feel so blessed everyday. It’s still a work in progress – but I’m really learning how to listen more, and to be more present everyday. It makes such a difference for our family.
kids really do open our eyes and hearts to all the wonders, don’t they? Thanks for stopping by. I am glad this post blessed you!
Thank you for sharing that video- it was beautiful! I like that quote about broadcasting instead of listening. I try to remind myself to completely hear the other person before thinking about what I could say back, or thinking of another example of what they’re talking about. Really listening is probably the best way we can show someone that we’re there for them, not ourselves.
so true. Listening is a wonderful sign of love, isn’t it Gloria? I thought that video was powerful too.
As a mother of 4, at night I am very grateful to hear the sound of complete silence. But I will also take time to be grateful for their sweet voices, sounds of their laughter and pitter patters of small feet. It really is joy to my ears!
Sounds like you have the right balance, Dawn. Hold those precious little voices in your heart. They grow up quickly.
Hi Jean,
I was very moved by your testimony. As an avid digital communicator and social media user it has become so much easier to communicate by texting, posting, emailing, tweeting, pinning or instant messaging, that a friend of mine chided me for texting instead of calling her and actually listening and sharing. She has made it her mission to actually call friends, engage in conversation and listen to them. Your message really resonated with me. I am thankful for the the gift of hearing with understanding. I am thankful for the ability to listen, really listen!
Thank you for your kinds words, Deborah. I too get into only social media and found the importance of one to one listening so, almost refreshing. I have a friend who is into letter writing. Talk about a wonderful gift to get from her. Thanks for visiting and sharing.
This brought tears to my eyes. All too often I get caught up in the technology and the hearing my own voice instead of listening to others and especially listening to God. When my son was in his accident I had an incredibly eye opening experience when it came to listening. As I sat there in the dark watching my baby go in and out of consciousness with his neck brace on, I listended to the beeping of the machines, something most people find so annoying, I was relieved to hear them, to know my baby was alive and the beeping kept the alarms quiet, there was no more panic at this point there was just beeping and then I hear a voice, clear as day, say “You are brave, he is strong and i am here”. I could not explain it but I heard it and I know I heard it because I was actually listening for it – I didn’t know it would come but I had quieted out the noise and I listened. It was an incredibly overcoming moment and I was moved to tears – buckets of tears. I wish I could say since that day I have listened but I haven’t. Occasionally I will be reminded to listen and I will. This is one of those beautiful reminders that I needed to truly listen. To stop and listen to my son tell me his “epic” story that normally I would just nod along to, or to listen to my baby’s crying and hold him instead of getting frustrated and wishing he would let me finish my work. Life moves so quickly and I need to listen so much more and really enjoy the listening and the quiet. Thank you for this beautiful post and the poignant reminder to listen.
Wow, Katy, that is a powerful example and one you won’t forget.
I was in a teacher training the other day and we all participated in an activity (for us to then use with our students) that required everyone to listen well to everyone else. Those who did, did well in the game. Those who didn’t were the losers (and no, there weren’t prizes for anyone except the top)
Good point, Lisa. It does take practice and more practice to listen well.
great post about hearing… reminds me of Psalm 46:10, “be still and know that I am God”
Perfect verse for this post, Thanks Carla
I enjoy the loud and messy days I spend with my daughter, but I also find tranquility and peace in the late evenings when the only thing I hear is the ticking of the clock and the strokes of the keyboard as I am typing. That balance of the noise and the quiet is what makes me enjoy both equally.
You are certainly right about the balance. I do love the keyboard sounds too. Hearing them right now. Thanks for stopping by
I can say I am thankful for my hearing aids – both that I have them and that I can take them out. It’s a good metaphor for even though who can hear fully – we have to learn to tune out unnecessary noise so we can listen to what really matters.
I forgot you had hearing aids; you probably did connect with this post. I certainly agree with you about tuning out unnescessary noise. = the chatter in my head is the worse. LOL
Beautiful post. My husband thinks it is “silly” when I want to have the TV off and have no music or anything on. I just like to hear him talk, hear his voice, hear my baby breathing deeply while he sleeps. Those things are precious to me. Even yesterday I went for a walk around our neighborhood with the baby in the stroller and listened to the sounds of kids playing, power tools being used, birds, and dogs barking. It was pure bliss.
So glad you are listening to the sounds around you too. It enriches our lives in so many ways. Thanks for stopping by!!
So very thankful for life in general. Specifically, I’m thankful for the ability to walk and be mobile without the use of any device of pain killer. Thank you for the reminder of how blessed my life is.
Sounds like you have lots to be thankful for, April. I hurt my back a number of years ago and had a miserable 6 months of healing. Now I can too walk pain free and it IS a blessing, not to be taken for granted. Thanks for stopping by April
You’ve opened my ears to the blessing of sounds around me, Jean! Thank you.
Listening is a precious gift we can offer to others. I agree with Erma Bombeck: there seems to be more talkers in the world than listeners!
Don’t you just love Erma? I wish I could write like her. I have attended the Erma Bombeck writing conference in Dayton and hope to again next April. You are sure right about being more talkers than listeners. One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is to keep your mouth shut and listen. Hope you are having a good week.
I think we all get caught up in feeling sorry for ourselves rather then looking outward and upward. This is a great reminder to be thankful! This week I’m thankful to have my husband home with us. Yes it means I need to clean everyday and make a real dinner and be home to spend time with him but it also means that I GET to do those things and our children GET to have time with their daddy. Thankfulness changes perspective.
You nailed it, Emma. I know it helps me to turn complaints and whininess into gratitude. Sometimes takes lots of effort. LOL. But in the long run makes life richer. Thanks for stopping by!
Jeanie, what a great reminder! It is so much easier to default to complaining or just taking things for granted, but we need to become thankful, really thankful. I’m thankful for my husband today. God blessed me with someone so much better than I deserved! Blessings!
Hi Donna, I will join you in gratitude for great hubbies. You chose the right word default – it is so easy to revert to old habits isn’t it instead of being grateful. Thanks for stopping by.
Very inspiring post. Too often I get frustrated by my children making so much noise, but the truth of the matter is, I would be empty without them, so I need to practice gratefulness for their noise. Thanks so much for sharing, your words are beautiful!
I used to get frustrated with their noise, but now I embrace it. When they go over their grandparents house, by day two, the silence is deafening and I want to hear the pitter patter of their feet and their giggles amongst the shrieks.
Yes me too! I crave silence but then when I get it I am lonely. How funny how that works.
You are so right about missing the noise of your kids. I used to get so irritated by my hubby’s snoring until a good friend lost her husband in an accident. Now when I am awake listening to Bill’s snoring I am grateful he is with me and breathing! Gratitude make a difference. Thanks Miranda for stopping by
Wow that is a convicting thought. My husband’s snoring really bothers me. I guess I need to be thankful that I have his snoring to listen to!
Took me a looooooog time to value his snoring. He was really going at it just last night but I practice gratitude and at least it helped a little. Sometime moving to another room is necessary though. LOL
My father used to say “If your mouth is open you aren’t learning anything” it is something that I don’t always successfully do. I need to listen more. The video you are talking about I watched last week and bawled my eyes out. We recently found out that my new granddaughter is very hearing impaired and will have to have these implants when she gets older so it meant a lot for me to see this!
So sorry to hear about your granddaughter but thankful she was born at a time where this technology is coming and will be helpful to her. That video made me cry too. very powerful. loved you dad’s saying too. very wise. Thanks for stopping by!
As my aging mother is hard of hearing, this post truly struck home for me. It’s a blessing she can turn up her phone and hear me when I call to talk with her, but in person, even with hearing aids in, we have to shout to be heard. Hearing is one of those senses we, unfortunately, too often take for granted. Thanks for this reminder, Jean!
As I wrote this I thought of the older person who couldn’t hear. Some of this technology doesn’t help them yet. someday I am sure. They miss so much by not hearing clearly – a lesson there for us too.
This is perfect timing for me, Jean. I’m concentrating this week on listening better. Hearing is SUCH an enormous gift that we too often take for granted. Thanks for raising our awareness!
Yes Lisa we do take hearing for granted. Just writing this post made me more aware. Interesting you are concentrating on listening this week. We sure do mirror each other in our seeking, reading and praying. Fun to have a companion on the same journey!