Listening

As teenagers, many of you are told to "listen up" or "pay attention", I'm sure, on a regular basis. These are phrases you probably hear at home or when you are at school. And more than likely, they are commands given by those who are in charge of your well-being, like teachers or parents. There is something extremely valuable to really listening to what someone has to say, and when I say "listening", I don't simply mean with your ears, I mean paying attention to someone with your whole being.

Many of you have friends who are saying things to you that far outweigh words. You have friends who have needs and are crying out for help, but if you are not careful you may miss these crys. You are at an age when you may have teenage friends dealing with depression, thoughts of suicide, drug addictions, or you name it. And you may very well be the person they are trying to get to listen to them.

John Maxwell tells a story in his book The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader about one of our former Presidents, Theodore Roosevelt. Once at a gala ball, Roosevelt grew tired of meeting people who returned his remarks with stiff, mindless pleasantries. So, he began to greet people with a smile, saying, "I murdered my grandmother this morning." Most people so nervous about meeting him, didn't even hear what he said. But one diplomat did. Upon hearing the President's remark, he leaned over and whispered to him, "I'm sure she had it coming to her!".

It is easy to laugh at this story, but there is an element to it that I want to reinforce: "Listen carefully to what people are saying (and listen with your whole being)." Someone may be quietly crying out for help and you may be the one they are crying out to. Not only can you be a great friend by really listening to them, but you know who to take them to when they do need help: Jesus Christ! Christ still mends broken hearts and changes lives. So, take time today and.......listen........