Listening

It's an art.  It takes self control.  It requires empathy.  With my mother's recent health concerns, I've realized how precious it is to have someone listen.  A friend said to me recently in an unrelated conversation that you call your mother when you need someone to listen.  But what if your mother is the person you're concerned about - who listens then?  At first I thought I was at fault because I wasn't volunteering information.  No one really asked, so perhaps I should share.  After all, how could I feel bad if I didn't tell anyone.  Volunteering isn't always successful either.  So I've learned that listening is a talent - a beautiful talent that blesses others.  Listening is asking questions.  Listening is not jumping in with your own story of something "worse."  Listening is not downplaying another's feelings or telling them that their situation really isn't that bad because maybe, just maybe, it feels bad to them.  Listening is caring.  Listening is a gift.  I've been blessed with some listeners.  They didn't turn out to be the people I thought they'd be.  Turns out it didn't matter . . . these unexpected listeners helped and I appreciate their time.  Anyone can listen if they want to.  I want to.  I hope to become a better listener because listening is a beautiful thing.