Wrong Way! Wrong Way!

Are you quick to listen?

I mean, REALLY listen?  Not the, "I look like I'm listening...but I'm actually already thinking about my response and point of view in this conversation/argument/debate!!!"

 

There is this gal at my work one would call a "chatty Cathy."  If you get her started, she'll just ramble on and on and on. There is no "nice" way to interrupt her and tell her how busy you are and how much work you need to get done.

 

One day, she was loitering in the doorway to my office and doing her usual dog and pony show on some non-work-related point of word verbosity.  All of a sudden, it was really quiet.  I refocused on her and realized she had stopped talking.  I did a fast rewind in my mind and think she had just asked me a question.

 

"You weren't even listening to me, were you?"  She accused.

 

Caught, I chose honesty, "Actually, I'm sorry, I wasn't."

 

There was no easy way to explain to her how hard it is for me to get back into my "grove" and focus on my work when she is continually interrupting me and chatting away about non-work related things.  But, praying for continued patience, I tried once again to explain these things to her.  Now, she loiters in other co-worker's doorways and generally labels me "grumpy."

 

This gal is quick to speak (and speaks quickly) and slow to hear.  I've come to the conclusion she isn't really interested in my thoughts or opinions, she just wants to manipulate everyone's time.  Maybe it gives her this false sense of control or something.  Or something.

 

The following PW Devotional keys in on another part of the verse, "slow to anger."

 

Read on!

 

I hope to see all of you at Youth Group on Wednesday night!!!  And, for those of you going to Guatemala...we ARE meeting at 6 p.m.  Be sure to bring your type-written testimony.

 

I love you all and pray for you daily!

Me

 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

Mad Week: Wrong Way! Posted: 26 Apr 2009 12:52 PM PDT "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (James 1:19-20) Have you ever noticed those Wrong Way signs on a divided highways or one-way streets? They're almost funny -- until you realize they're talking to you. It's like the Department of Roads is saying, "If  you've missed all of our other signs pointing you in the right direction, this is our last attempt to keep you from having a head-on crash with another car." We should almost always think of our anger like one of those Wrong Way signs. It's a warning that the way we're going won't get us to our destination. As Christians, anger should tell us, "You're on the path away from the life God wants for you." The warning also tells us that if we don't turn around soon, we're probably going to get hurt. Or hurt someone else. Or maybe both. Usually, our U-turn option includes shutting up. Thinking hard. And putting anger away, hopefully before we make eye contact with another driver. Think: What's your most common reaction to feeling angry -- to hit the brakes or step on the gas? Why do we so often do the opposite of what's wise when we feel angry? How can we change that? Pray: Ask God to help you to remember to hit the brakes the next time you start getting angry, before you do any damage to yourself or others. Do: Look for Wrong Way signs when you're driving around this week and use the reminder to ask God to help you to listen to and control your anger. Visit PlanetWisdom.com for more great resources!