The Lost Art of Listening

Yesterday I was looking online for a photo that captures the art of listening. ⠀
⠀
When I entered the word "listen" into my favorite photo site, nearly every image showed a person sitting by themselves wearing headphones. ⠀
⠀
Pause and calmly consider that. I'll wait. ⠀
⠀
Just to be clear, I love to plug in and listen to music too. Alicia Keys and Josh Garrels in my ears whenever I want is a gift, but if listening is now considered a solitary digital activity, no wonder people feel lonely and unheard.⠀
⠀
REALLY, WHEN IS THE LAST TIME SOMEONE REALLY LISTENED TO YOU?⠀
⠀
So when my friend Ally posted this picture of his beautiful wife Amy and her friend in a castle somewhere, I realized that's exactly what I meant. ⠀
⠀
Amy is speaking, her friend is quietly listening and there are cups of coffee on the table. It's a little messy too, as though they've been there a while. ⠀
⠀
This kind of listening is at the beating red heart of Intermissionary Retreats, because we believe listening is an act of love and friendship. ⠀
⠀
We believe, for many, feeling heard is the same as feeling valued.⠀
⠀
We believe people will offer a fake answer, rather than look foolish in the face of an indifferent listener.⠀
⠀
WE ARE 6 WEEKS FROM INTERMISSIONARY@CHAMONIX AND OUR STAFF IS TRAINING IN THE LOST ART OF LISTENING. ⠀
⠀
After all, we believe you have the power and wisdom of the resurrected Christ alive on the inside of you. You don't need us telling you what to do.⠀
⠀
You may however, need a reminder that wisdom is there. ⠀
⠀
You may need someone to help you identify it. ⠀
⠀
You may need someone to sit and listen as you unpack some big, heavy bags.⠀
⠀
Whatever it is...⠀
⠀
JESUS ASKED QUESTIONS ALL THE TIME. HIS IS THE MODEL WE FOLLOW.