taking the time to listen

In our fast-paced frantic world, we rarely slow down to take time for simple things: touching base with people, checking in with ourselves, and experiencing the world around us.  This week has brought it home to me to take time and listen.

Monday was the normal whirl and buzz of starting the week.  On top of that, I was away from my desk- okay, I admit that it wasn’t the desk demanding attention, it was my e-mail- all last week and I had a long list of things that needed my attention.  And, panic set in when I realized how many meetings were scheduled for this week!  To complicate things, I chose to start Morning Pages Monday morning.  Tuesday rolled around and I (and one of my guys) participated in a meeting.  We had a lengthy discussion at lunch and on the way back to the office about the pros and cons of “warm and fuzzy” meetings.  I attempted to explain that it has been a long process for that group to make the successes they have made and part of that process was to get to know each other, much like a family does, and that it was the “price” of admission.  He didn’t buy it.  I left work and made the trek home not thinking about the meeting and our discussions.  I grabbed a quick bite before heading to another meeting.  It was a great gathering of creative people coupled with a cool demonstration.  I left with various things rolling around in my brain and my car forced me to listen to it!  I finally made it home, after the nice tow kid came and pronounced my ignition DOA and delivered me to my door, at 2300.  I spent today working from home and negotiating with the service department, insurance, and a car rental agency.  I got my rented wheels, checked in with a frustrated friend, and went to the third meeting of the week!  Toast Masters had a Meet-and-Greet before our regular meeting.  It was wonderful to sit and visit with people as we rarely have time before or after the meetings to visit and get to know people.  I came home and opened a book and came across this: “… say that the places themselves remember.  But it takes awhile to hear them.” 

Steve Covey says you have to pay the price.  He references developing or changing one’s character when he talks about paying the price.  Don’t we pay a price for the relationships we develop?  My boyfriend bristles at that idea, he says I have paid one hell of a price for the relationships I have with various people (he includes himself in that list, as well).  Looking at my relationships, those of whom I am close with, I have paid a dear price for each and every one of them.  They aren’t casual friendships, not the ones I have invested myself in, to be carelessly tossed aside.  I have always been that way.  I have friends whom I know and care about; however, they can’t hold a candle to the relationships I have with my nearest and dearest loved ones.  Of all of them, I can honestly say that he is one of the top five.  One of the prices I have paid is taking the time to listen.  The price of listening is figuring out how to listen. 

Ken Overcast talks about “unplugging his ears after telling him how he feels” when he visits with the Lord.  He says listening to the Lord reply is the best part.  We move so fast that we have failed to slow down and listen; to truly listen to the people and our surroundings.  I have left behind the places that speak to me.  I must find new ones that draw me in and have a message to give.  I have a couple in mind that have been quietly knocking at the door.  I need to pay the price to gain the privilege of their secrets.  Likewise, I am slowly developing relationships with organizations and people I am meeting in my new life.  I am taking the time, making the effort, paying the price to cultivate new ties to this community and the people within while maintaining established relationships.  It is daunting, I am up to the challenge!