Monday, October 30, 2006

October 25

Listen—Really Listen


Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand.


Matthew 11:15 (NLT)



“I am so sorry,” I said. “For abandoning you, for using you … please forgive me.” My wife’s expression was reward enough. Finally—I got it! The chapter I read an hour earlier finally clicked. I understood.

It was the morning after my wife had sat down beside me and tried reading from John and Staci Eldridge’s new book, Captivating. She read, but I didn’t hear. It had been late and even though Chapter Six seemed so important to her, I was tired. I just didn’t get it.

The next morning, my wife left to sing with the choir. Alone, I went into my usual routine of prayer and quiet time, but on this occasion something was wrong. God seemed to clear His throat and nod at my wife’s book. Hmmm.... I remembered her excited expression when she finished reading and set the book down. “Well … what do you think? Do you get it?” She seemed so hopeful.

The truth was I didn’t get it, and my stumbling explanation of what she read did not impress her. Before turning the light out that night, her sad eyes said more than her words. “I know it’s late. Will you read the chapter again tomorrow?”

“Yeah, sure.” I yawned and rolled over, and that was the last time she mentioned it.

So, Sunday morning found me reading it again and finally understanding my wife’s pain and … my part in it. It was convicting, to say the least. And I learned again, it is amazing what one hears when one listens—really listens.


Lord, open my heart and my ears. Amen.