Lean In Close While I Whisper what I have to Say

 

There are a lot of people shouting their heads off rather than taking a couple breaths and considering what they already know. Their anger and frustration makes it impossible to even listen to what might be good solutions to some of the problems we face. Is the world a mess in so many ways? Yep it is. But stomping our feet and getting all red in the face didn’t solve anything when we were two year olds and it won’t make life better now. What if, instead of imagining all that is wrong we took a brief pause and considered the ways things are right? 

This morning Holly Wagner talked of a time when heartbreaks seemed to be coming at break neck speed. Her husband got a jar and a colorful notepad and asked her/told her to write one thing she was grateful for each day. She didn’t think that was possible since there was nothing to be grateful for. Reluctantly, she wrote coffee on the slip of paper for the first four days. Eventually she began to write her family, career, faith and so many other things. Soon it was hard to just write one thing on the slip of paper because her heart had begun to focus on what was right rather what was wrong. It only took a jar on the kitchen counter and a husband with the wisdom to know what she needed. A refocus and to stop wallowing and begin living. 

All the shouting and wringing of hands doesn’t change our circumstances. In fact, people lean in close when we whisper to hear what we have to say. Rather than blasting your opinions why not try a gentle voice that others can actually hear. The truth is that the same thing we say may have merit but if it is delivered in a way others cannot hear it has no impact. 

Often I say that I am grateful that Jesus is only a whisper away. When I whisper and He whispers we both lean in and come close. It becomes an intimate moment where truth can be shared. What a better communication exchange than ranting and raving that only wants the other person to escape as quickly as possible. Once I worked with a school psychologist who had a deep low voice. Everyone in a meeting would lean in to hear what he had to say. It seemed he was the wisest one in the room. Rather his words were brilliant or not, his delivery made us have confidence in what he shared. 

Lean in, get close, let others hear what you say and share an intimate moment where you not only speak but listen to them. Nobody wants to listen if they are not also heard. 

In Him,

Joyful

2-11-25