Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. – Proverbs 1:5
In my research to find the right MBA program for my passion in social enterprise & sustainable business, I stumbled upon University of Virginia, Darden School of Business’s Dean, Bob Bruner’s blog about the fading art of listening well*. I was more than thrilled to hear such a valid perspective on a topic God had already placed on my heart. As I continued through his thought provoking entry, my momentum continued to rise. “Preach it,” I said at my screen, “you’re knocking it out of the park.” I finished the article with the thought, “I wonder if he would be willing to come and speak to my team at our next debrief? They could use some insight on this.” Without missing a beat, the Holy Spirit gently posed the question, “How often do you put down everything to give others your undivided attention? Moreover, how often do you give God your undivided attention?”
I wasn’t prepared for such an honest assessment of my heart, so conceitedly, I rebutted, “I listen way better than most people.” But again the Spirit quickly, yet gently corrected me, “Better isn’t your best. I need you to listen well.” These two words outline one of the strongest convictions I have experienced in the first six months of my race. Listening well is not just a polite thing to do, it creates an entirely different atmosphere in your conversations with others. When you listen with your undivided attention to someone else, it makes them feel important, valued and perhaps even more confident in what they are saying.
This is the way the Lord wants us to listen to him; with respect, with regard of his knowledge and with a completely undivided heart. As I am learning the art of truly listening to the Lord [giving him my full attention for an extended amount of time without talking] I am realizing how long he has been waiting to tell me his side of my story, waiting to answer my prayers and show me the way he wants me to step each day. I recognized this month how often I pray and immediately go on with my life without waiting for a response from the Lord, even if he only says, “I hear ya”.
Since reaching my debrief location in the beautiful Panama City three days ago, I have purposefully practiced the art of listening well. I can only begin to describe how amazing my conversations with my teammates, coaches, squad mates and the Lord have been because I have chosen to give them my undivided attention. The depth, the trust and the honesty of our conversations have permanently changed our relationships for the better. It is incredible!
With that said, I encourage you to practice the art of listening well – you won’t regret a minute of it.
*You can find Darden’s Dean, Bob Bruner’s blog at: http://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/deansblog/2014/05/graduation-2014-listen-well/
And to dispel any anxiousness and calm your curiosity – yes, the Lord has called me to pursue my MBA after the race. Feel free to ask my any questions you may have.
Truly,
Isa
