Shhhhh !!

Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk, but whoever seals his lips is wise.

Proverbs 10:19

It is very hard not to "talk" sometimes.  It is at the heart of what we do when we gather with friends and family.  Some people are not as talkative as others.  And some people never shut up.  I must say over the years, as I have grown closer to God, I have learned that I do not always have to say something.

GASP!  It is true.  I am learning to just simply...shut.up. LOL.

It is amazing what happens when you listen, truly listen to others, without making a comment.  I am able to hear his or her heart more clearly.  Usually, I hear what their words are not saying. For example, "I don't care what anyone thinks", may be laced with a tone of bitterness or pain from a bad experience.  I am able to tune in and truly give the person my time and energy without having to interject my opinion.

I think we owe it to those we love to learn to zip our lips once in awhile.  Some of my closest friends and confidantes are those that truly listen to me.  I can only hope that I do the same for them.  

Lord help me to be quiet sometimes and listen to others with a clean heart and an open, non-judgmental mind.

Amen.