Mind the Gap: Morning Devotion
James 1: 19-21
“Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”
I have a friend who is, shall we say, very well seasoned. He taught at the middle school and high school level for 20 years. He is a recovering alcoholic, sober for decades now, who attends up to five AA meetings per week in order to serve as a sponsor to new participants. He walks with a slight hunch, quite a hobble, and has suffered various physical ailments that put him through a lot of pain. And he laughs a lot.
He has a mantra to which he introduced me, which he keeps in mind when encountering something that rouses his anger, indignation, or pride. When a smart-aleck or stinging remark jumps to his lips he asks himself, “Does this thing that I want to say: Need to be said? Right now? By me?”
By the time he works through those three questions in his mind, often one of them gets a “No” answer, or the conversation around him has changed, or he is past his immediate reaction.
By virtue of his restraint, this friend of mine had learned to view every person’s perspective with some understanding and grace. He never sacrificed his own ideals He did not hesitate to speak when speaking was critical. But he could approach even the most contentious topics and times with wisdom and grace.
He had learned that, like the tides, slow words bring more power than fast talking. It is a lesson that can only be learned over time, because slowness just takes time. But the reward of listening and time is wisdom.
Our ability to listen can be impeded by powerful emotions, by distracting internal monologues, and the desire to be right, among many other things. I invite you to consider what impedes your ability to listen well. [pause] It is a wonder that the Holy Spirit is more powerful than any of these impediments.
Would you pray with me? Wisdom present at Creation, make us quick to listen, slow to speak, and ready with grace. When words are needed, make them words that reflect the Wisdom of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.