Apr09-Message from President

Did you hear that? Shhh... there it goes again. Did you hear it? I'm more and more convinced thatlistening is like a muscle. The more we use the skill, the greater our ability will become to listen. I've heard people dismiss or discount their capacity by simply saying, "I'm just not a good listener." To which I think we should collectively declare... "Foul, not acceptable, no free pass." You become a good listener; you aren't simply born to be one. Listening is a gift you give to the individualthat you are with. It's the foot washing of everyday life. It highlights the significance of the words thatthe other individual has to share and the thoughts that are on their mind. Some people listen only so they can prepare a rebuttal or a grander story. They listen with a desire to overpower whatever experience or emotion they have just been exposed to. Some people simply wander; mentally, physically... and certainly emotionally to a place that is so far from their communication partner that they couldn't possibly join in a meaningful exchange. Listening elevates and participates. It connects your attention, your hearing, your mind, and your emotion. Great listeners participate in the heavy lifting of capturing each word and in dipping into the meaning and feeling behind each. Great listeners convert the mechanics of hearing into the art of involvement. Jesus listened well. The Son of God... with so much to say... listened well. And in it He taught us about love, compassion and sacrifice. Practice, exercise, stretch, discipline yourself to listen well. Wash the feet of those that talk with you by taking off the cloak of self-centeredness and personal agenda... and listen. It will transform any and every relationship you have.