Are You Listening to Me?

I can still remember a conversation that was had with a former professor of mine at Shenandoah University. She was talking about the difference between hearing and listening. You're probably thinking... "Wait a minute, Jay. There's a difference between them?" As it turns out, there is.

Earlier this evening, I was happy to spend time with my brothers and sisters at Catholic Campus Ministry. Each week, we try to get together and discuss topics that relate to our lives as college and career-minded individuals. This week, the discussion revolved around empathy. Along with empathy also came this profound idea of listening. 

Think about the last conversation that you had with someone. How did it go? When they were speaking, what were you thinking about? 

Many times, as others speaking we are already thinking about our response. Because of this, we can sometimes miss out on what is being said... in the end, we may not fully understand their perspective or viewpoint. This brings me back to the difference between hearing and listening. As Dr. Jessica Peacock told me, hearing is a biological ability. Most of us are born with the ability to decode those vibrations and hear the many sounds around us. Listening, on the other hand, requires a bit more work. 

To be able to listen to another is to also try and understand what is being said. 

To take this a step further, we're often unwilling or unable to hold discussions with those whom do not share our viewpoints. Many times it's because we're not willing to hear their position on the matter, or maybe it's because we're not able to articulate our own position. I've heard it said so many times that one is sacrificing their own views by listening to and understanding those of others. Not necessarily true. I've believed for some time that the understanding of our own views is ultimately strengthened through the understanding of others' views. We're richer for the experience.

Is it hard to discuss your views with someone who continually berates your own views? Absolutely, it is. Is it worth the time of arguing with them? That's a decision you'll have to make on your own. 

Friends, as I've said before, it's time that we come together and talk about the important things in life. But in order to talk, we must first be able to listen. 

This Lenten season, may we seek God's guidance as He helps us to become better listeners. Take time to not only hear but listen.