From Those Who Listen Well

Listening is a gift that we give others. Take some time to reflect on a few invitations to the listening life from Christian leaders. What stands out to you? What would you like to hold on to today?

Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable. - David Augsberger

Here we are, you and I, and I hope a third, Christ, is in our midst….Come now, beloved, open your heart, and pour into these friendly ears whatsoever you will, and let us accept gracefully the gift of this place, time, and leisure. - Aelred of Rievaulx, 12th century

The beauty of listening is that, those who are listened to start feeling accepted, start taking their words more seriously and discovering their own true selves. Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends, to get to know their inner selves more fully and even to dare to be silent with you. - Henri Nouwen