But Who Will Listen?

His frown was partially hidden by his mustache, but I could tell by the tone in his voice that it was there. It seemed like the bottom was dropping out again and he just wished God would show him what was coming.

It was a mystery. There was no reason he should be shut out. He had tried to show love many times over and here it was thrown back in his face.

One more of “those people.” He had met more than his fair share in the last few days who had talked about evil he was in just the next room over.

He wasn’t asking for much. Decent food, a job where people respected him and a woman to show love to. He wasn’t perfect, but who is?

I shouldn’t be surprised anymore, but today I’m reminded again of the importance of listening. It’s almost a mundane thing to post about. I mean we all know that poor communication has been the start of wars, suicides, murders and isolation. We know that there are lots of people burying pain all around us. And yet, it’s all too easy for me to write out tons of blog posts with wonderful ideas for changing the world or to rattle off the right answer to a hurting friend and fly on by to do something “important.”

None of these people I’ve alluded to would probably be visibly distraught if you looked at them today. We live in Texas and we’re men so we’re supposed to shrug it off and take care of others. And while I do think we need to serve others while hurting, followers of Christ like me need to start taking a bit more time to have supper with people, invite them over and just listen to the frustrations of life.

A lot of people really need to talk. But who will listen?