ONE UP...TO HEAR...

"Last words are only words."
Cormac McCarthy

I wonder how many times I've been engaged w/someone in a 'war of words'?   I've been thinking quite a lot about that recently...including having the last word. 

Actually I've been more than thinking about it; lately I've spent lots of sleepless nights feeling guilty for 'having the last word and one up-her-ship'.  So you surely get how serious this thing is with me...right?  Hopefully you aren't plagued w/such a thing...I really hope I'm a 'Lone Ranger' here...'cause it's poisonous. 

This particular flaw shows itself in debates or a somewhat argumentative conversation. I do not like or enjoy getting the short end of the stick...my bad. More about that in a later post.

The more gentle and most common form exhibits itself when someone's talking to me, (not actually 'war talk' like I mentioned above). I know it's polite to listen intently...if possible.   Okay, I'm a multi-tasker so it's somewhat difficult at times...like falling flat on my listener! Now this is not a nice habit...if you're willing to spend time talking I should take the time to listen...100%.

But you know what happens too much of the time? Aah, I'm busily writing my script for a 'smart' follow-up...tell me you aren't like that? Why is that a problem for me?

Honestly, I know the answer and it makes me ashamed...oh, you want to know why, huh? Okay, I'm into showing off my 'great wisdom'; instead it shows a lack of concern for the other persons ideas, thoughts and a simple desire to tell me something about what's transpiring in their life! Simple? Yes it's simple...so simple it's overlooked. And once again I've proven my ignorance!

Catherine Doucett wrote, "Every person in this life has something to teach me--and as soon as I accept that, I open myself to truly listening.”

You mean to tell me that I don't know everything...oh wow, imagine that??? Ouch...Ouch.

Well, guess what else? Having the last word is just as important in written communication as verbal...face to face...correspondence to correspondence!

Here's my plan...I'm aiming to develop a 'total listening heart'...like? Well, like if you have something you want to share with me I won't tell you that I experienced the same thing (or something very similar) only mine was bigger, better or more serious than yours...been there, done that sort of thing. And...like...okay, I don't need to tell you about 'my experience'...this is your time! Another time.


Actions speak louder than words? As our first, most honorable president said:

"The views of men can only be known, or guessed at, by their words or actions."

George Washington, letter to Patrick Henry

15 January, 1799

Those men were men of their words...and also of their actions.

The greatest one though...Christ...often told others "Listen to me"...and of course they did, oops! You mean they didn't always? Not...and He reminded them numerous times..."Listen to me".

Tell you what...I doubt I'd be trying to one-up Him (the one w/the Master's voice)?  All ears...you?

From my heart...to yours