Karen Siggins shares with us.
Perhaps one of the most precious and powerful gifts we can give another person it to really listen to them, to listen with quiet, fascinated attention, with our whole being, fully present (Kay Lindahl).
Most of us know how good it feels when we are really listened to and most of us know how hard it is to listen well to another person. Sitting with another person as they tell their story takes a willingness to slow down and give our time; it takes the self-discipline of quieting our own voice, letting go of expectations, judgments and defensiveness.
But what a difference it can make!
The way Jesus interacted with people and especially those who were vulnerable in some way, gives us a glimpse into both the transforming power of sitting with others in their experiences of life and the way to go about it. His friend John described Jesus as full of grace and truth and it is with grace that Jesus stepped into all of his relationships. Grace then became a pathway along which people were invited to travel towards truths that changed their lives. Join us on Sunday as we think about listening to others intentionally, deeply, courageously and compassionately reflecting the generous grace of Jesus.
