By Judy Villanueva

In your presence there is fullness of joy.   (Psalm 16:11)

You have searched me God and know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. (Psalm 139:1-2)

Yesterday, my little grandson came over.  As he sat at the table eating his lunch, I moved about the kitchen tidying up, all the while hearing his little voice chattering on about this and that.  When at last I sat down across the table from him he said, “Nana! I need to talk to you!” “Yes, Sweetie, I’m listening,” I said, realizing that he was asking for my full attention. He leaned forward.  His little blue eyes burrowed in on mine from across the table and he started to tell me about whatever precious thing was on his mind.  As he spoke I could see that he was not going to break eye contact, for fear that he would lose my attention. I knew that, at that moment, I must not be anywhere but right smack-dab in front of him, listening, nodding, and holding his gaze.  After a little while, he seemed satisfied and was ready to take a few more bites of his sandwich and move on to his dump trucks and dinosaurs.

A mentor and dear friend once told me that listening is a divine activity. That when we listen well there is a kind of presence experienced that is healing and deeply satisfying. Can you remember the last time you were with someone who listened to you well?  Who  was fully present and alert, leaning forward and attending to your thoughts, words and feelings? There is value and honor imparted through this kind of presence. It instills worth.

The human soul wants to be explored, discovered, and intimately known.  And, when we are, even a little bit, it changes us.

In and through the presence of people,  who  listen to us deeply, we feel the Father’s attention.   It becomes a sacred place where we experience being known and loved.   It reminds us that we matter.

Being present is one of the most beautiful gifts we can offer another person.  It isn’t always easy to lay down our need to be heard and focus on another’s story, but as  we listen and give ourselves to care about our friend we touch the heart of God.  We become co-laborers in the most beautiful work of the universe!  Our loving attention and willingness to listen brings God near and in His presence the soul is quieted.   When we are listened to deeply, when we notice that we are noticed,  we experience a divine blessing…one that satisfies and frees us to take another bite of our sandwich and move on to our dump trucks and dinosaurs.

“Father, thank you that you are always listening to my heart.  You know my thoughts from afar and understand me.  Help me remember that when I listen to another it brings You near.   And, help me to notice all the ways You notice me today!  Amen.”

What about You?

When was the last time you were listened to deeply?  How did it make you feel?

What gets in the way of being attentive to another?  (Tasks, cellphones, worry, preoccupation?)

Where do you go when you need attention?

Are you becoming a divine listener?

Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOd-23S57SA