An inspiring chapter, by Donna Parton, talks about maintaining a teachable heart. It kind of caught me by surprise that when we stop learning, we basically stop relating to those around us. It makes sense. How else can I encourage, teach or help someone unless I am willing to find out what is going on and what I can do?The teachability that I am talking about is not about being willing to learn for selfish reasons, but it’s about being willing to put others before myself. It’s about being in conversation with someone and asking specific questions to get specific answers. It’s about coming away from a conversation having learned something, while having made that person feel like they count.
We all know and meet people who simply have a lot to say or, on the other hand, will make us feel like we have something to say. This causes me to think about how I make people feel. Regretfully, I know I am often more concerned about what I can contribute to a conversation than what I can learn from it.
King Solomon, known as the wisest man on earth, did not get there by chance. In a dream one night, God said to him, “Ask whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon admitted his need as a leader and asked for wisdom. He saw his need for a discerning heart and, rather than letting his pride get in the way, he kept a teachable attitude.
The question is, what can I learn from someone I meet today? May I practice the words, tell me more.
6 comments:
Very thought provoking...I'm probably working through some of this stuff right now...but am on hold..Yes, how can we contribute to a conversation that gives value to someone...is so wise...Thanks Anneliese.
Thank you! Such wisdom.
So true! Thanks for the reminder. Lately have been dealing with two teens who already seem to have nothing to learn from parents or others, except maybe the wrong crowd. Certainly requires lots of prayer and wisdom!
This is a lesson I have to learn over and over again. Thank you for reminding me (again) to be a better listener.
What a great post Anneliese. I know we can easily think of any group we've been a part of in the past and everyone has their degree of listenability and talkability. What a gift to be a good listener and then also a good learner.
Listening and learning.....great post that I will use for myself. I hope I can learn here from you and remain teachable. You again touched me in a spot that needs some work and you teach me in such a kind way. Kathy
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