Why Not Now? (Poem)

It is with some reluctance
I admit this here and now
I've been negligent in my faith
I will let you know how

There was a time
when I'd go for a walk
one-on-One time with God
and I'd try not to talk

The key to this time
was to listen instead
I'd open my heart
and empty my head

But as months went past
these times became few
as I filled all my days
with much nonsense to do

I'd say my prayers
at day's start and end
but didn't have time
to listen and mend

Excuses come up
games and `net too
chatting and playing
instead I would do

I need to take on
my responsibility
I need to make time
for just God and me

I don't need to go far
whether outside or in
it's in still listening
where this will begin

I listen to God's Voice
as it sails past my ear
I'm reprimanded and reminded
God's ALWAYS near

Give some of my time
to strengthen my heart
Give some of my time
to understand from the start

Give some of my time
a waste it won't be
Give some of my time
to step towards Eternity

Take some time to open my heart
and pause to clear my head
Step away from the cares of this world
and spend time with God instead

-ESA

Listening

How often do we stop and listen - really listen - to what people are saying or trying to tell us? I'll admit, I'm as guilty as others of looking for some point or reference we can use to springboard our own thoughts, insights or comments.

Today, I had an eye-opening moment where I stopped dead and started to read and listen to what someone was telling me. This wasn't something they were saying from their head; it was coming from their heart - from a life of experience and a perspective that was different from any I've experienced in my life and one I really should take the time and effort to learn about and understand.

It takes a lot to keep putting the words out there over and over until someone actually stops and listens. I imagine that there were very many times that she did the same with others and people "listened" politely and never really heard what she said. It takes a special and strong character to keep trying to reach out to others after seeing that time and time again.

And I'm grateful that she took the time to keep up with me until that "ah-ha" moment when what she was saying started to sink in.

How often do I listen - really listen - to people and hear what comes from their heart? I thought I did all the time, but it takes these special "ah-ha" moments -- and more important special people like this woman who helped me open my eyes -- to really see that I don't as often as I thought I did.

Thank you, my friend.

Listen
Hear
Open my eyes and my heart

- ESA

Seeing Inside

When we converse with someone, what do we see? A face? An expression? Body language? An icon image? A user name?

As conversations happen more and more online, do we miss what we would have seen if we spoke face-to-face? Or do we miss something when we DO speak face-t0-face?

Regardless how we chat with one another, one thing we should strive to focus on is the inner side of that person. What is the person going through at the moment? How is that person feeling? We should try to understand what is prompting the words they use – what they share and what they hold back.

Eyes, it's said, are the windows to the soul. But it's not always possible to look someone in the eyes when you hold a conversation. Instead we should listen. Not with our ears, but with our hearts.

When we listen with our hearts, we start to see inside the person. We get a better understanding of that person and his/her perspective. We open our hearts and minds, and in doing so, allow something wonderful to take place.

A flower bud cannot bloom when it's held tight in a fist. We must open up and allow the other person to open up as well. We can share a gripe or a laugh. Good feelings arise in shared experiences. But most importantly, when we allow that person the room to blossom, they can express themselves freely and feel a sense of self worth.

When we do this, often the other person returns the favor and listens to us. By freeing others to express themselves, we often free ourselves. But do not expect it; let it surprise you when it happens. By listening with our hearts, we show others the way.

Everyone has a value that we can share with the world as long as the world is open to receive it. There are many, many gems hidden within people, sadly ones that never come to the surface and are lost forever.

Will you be the one to help bring that gem to the surface and let it shine?
Or will you close the door and walk away?

Listen.
See.

- ESA