THE GIFT OF LISTENING

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

Leo Buscaglia

Can you think of someone  who is a very good listener?  I feel gifted for having quite a few of them in my life. One of my favorite listeners was Rev. Dr. Jane Claypool. She was an amazing minister, teacher and friend. I studied with her to be a practitioner, and then to be a Religious Science Minister, along with Rev. Dr. Heather Clark. What a gift I was blessed with, having these two individuals as my teachers.

I remember Rev. Jane listening to me as I gave a prayer treatment, or had a long-winded answer to a question. She would listen, and then share her wonderful rendition of what I had just said, along with  a few pearls of wisdom. Rev. Heather was also a good listener, and teacher as well (she still is). She would listen and then ask if just sharing was enough, or if I wanted some suggestions, or a book recommendation. 

My mother was also a good listener. She never tried to solve any of my problem, but she let me talk them over with her. When she was older, I was able to return the gift. In her nineties, I let her call and speak to me, and very often I needed to just listen to her, because her hearing was fading.

I have learned that giving the gift of listening to someone else is very rewarding. I often ask if the person just wants to talk a problem out for for her/himself, or if at the end of her/his sharing, feedback is requested. Giving and receiving is a wonderful gift to share. It is an excellent way to be present with someone else.

"Be on the lookout for others to bless. Wake up in the morning and say, who is put in my path today, that I may make a difference in her/his life."

Life's Garden Grows,                             --Sandra Lindsey Smith

Listen gently, listen without thinking about what you are going to say next. By doing this, you will be sharing a valuable gift.

Love and Light,

Rev Sandy Smith

Comments

Anonymous said…
Don't forget to include yourself.You also are a great listener.
June 16, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
 WHY WORRY?                                          "Worry is the dark room where negatives are developed."                                                                 Raymond Charles Barker,      -- The Power of Decision Oh that hamster wheel late at night, just spinning with all of the things that happened yesterday, and the things on your calendar that you still need to accomplish. Will the wheel never stop? How do you dismount from the wheel?  I have discovered that worrying about the past is pointless. If it was an accident, I cannot undo what happened. I may think of it as a learning experience as to what I might do the next time to avoid an accident. As to the future, it hasn't happene...
Read more
Image
 GOD IS GOOD, AND GOOD IS GOD " Love leads the way. That saying is a reminder to keep in contact with our higher power and share the the load when we need to. When I find myself wondering what to do next, or I have a challenge that elbows its way into my life, those are the very times when connecting with The Creative Intelligence of  God giudes me  to the solution." Life's Garden Grows,      --Sandra Lindsey Smith Ralph Waldo Emerson says that, " Love is a synonym for God ." Other synonyms are Peace, Truth, Kindness, and many more. The Dahli Lama says that, " Kindness and Compassion are my religion."   It doesn't really matter who says it, the meaning is still the same; treat others the way you would like to be treated.  It is said that plants and animals thrive when they are spoken to kindly (A little food and water are also nice). I always speak to my African Violets and tell them how lovely they are, and how shiny their leaves are. All th...
Read more
Image
 RELEASE THE LONELY     "To have a good friend you must be one."                                         --  Ralph Waldo Emerson This time of year can magnify loneliness, especially if you have made a recent move. It's the time of year to let the people you love know that you care. If you are thinking about asking someone out to coffee, follow through on the idea. Life is too short to let the gift of your life go by, keeping yourself to yourself. Spread the kindness. If you notice that someone in your neighborhood has just moved in, try bringing some cookies by. Think of all the possibilities you have to make new friends and to make new memories. Life is a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Life is a gift, that's why we call it the present. "The message of the Christ is unconditional love, non-judgement, forgiveness, brotherhood, peace an...
Read more