Chapter 6- My Blessing

Well, I might as well have highlighted this whole chapter. Between everything I agreed with and everything I needed to learn. There is a lot of bright yellow in this chapter :)

The gift....of listening. Opening our ears and shutting our mouths. My husband and I have talked about this through the years, especially when I was working as a nurse and the first few years of marriage. I was stressed! And Eric was who I talked and complained to. You could tell he was uncomfortable and really didn't have the right words to say, which irritated me even more. So one day he said, but I can't fix it. And I told him, I didn't want it fixed I just wanted him to listen. Because when I was talking I was trying to fix it and figure it out in my own mind. I didn't need him to add to the commotion in my head. So now....he listens :)

I feel like I'm very much a great listener. But the older I get the more experience I have through different situations, I feel like I need to vocalize that. And now I need to tell myself. Shut up! Listen and when the time is right and they ask for my opinion. Then talk.

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19

So much wisdom in that verse! With wisdom of keeping your mouth shut, comes humility in my eyes. You don't always have to be right, or have the bigger story or have all the answers. Many times people aren't looking for answers. They are looking for guidance and love through your eyes. Eye contact makes anyone know you are showing love and respect to them. You are wise beyond your years when you can give anyone that feeling. This includes your children, husband and friends.... "So the blessing of silence. May we learn it, love it, and live it according to it"....

So, let's end this chapter by thinking and understanding. The greatest gift and the hardest gift for us as women are one in the same. The gift of listening. We know how to talk fast and loud ;) but hold that tongue! Humble yourself and listen. Not listen to always be ready to give an opinion. But listen because people need that love and respect. You will be surprised how you will feel once you have gotten to that point. And you will be surprised at those peoples reactions to you!