Are we listening?

One of the most precious gifts we can give another is that of a listening ear. Not just a swift side-glance, a brief acknowledgment of their presence or a quick nod of approval. But a sincere concern and care for what the other is trying to tell us.

I notice my children are much more responsive when I stop what I’m doing, look them in the eye and pay rapt attention to their ideas and thoughts when they want to talk. The long term dividends of a deeper relationship and a stronger bond of affection and care between us is more than worth the time and effort it takes to stop and listen when they yearn for my hear.

The same rule applies to listening to God. The divine voice is speaking to us at all times, sending angel thoughts in our direction that lead, guide and heal us. Sometimes we may need to ask, "Am I listening?"

How well we listen to our neighbor could be a sign of how well we listen to God. It seems to me, the two might be related!

"This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." James

As we silence the noise and distraction of ego, self-concern, pride, self-centeredness, and self-righteousness, we hear the voice of God more clearly. Our Father's voice may be speaking in the form of subtle intuitions, inklings or nudges in thought. It also may be speaking through a neighbor’s wisdom and insights. Wherever it is coming from, as we talk less and listen more, we’ll hear what we need to know.

"According to Christian Science, the only real senses of man are spiritual, emanating from divine Mind. Thought passes from God to man, but neither sensation nor report goes from material body to Mind. The intercommunication is always from God to His idea, man." Mary Baker Eddy