Understanding hearts…

Most Biblical scholars recognize King Solomon for his wisdom. He is known as the wisest man in the Bible. Appearing to Solomon in a dream, God tells Solomon to ask him for anything. Talk about opportunity knocking…

Here’s Solomon’s response as recorded in I Kings 3:9. “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

Solomon has been given the chance to ask for anything and he asks for a understanding heart, or as some translations read, a “listening” heart. He doesn’t ask to be understood, he doesn’t ask for riches, and he doesn’t ask for a better mind so he can better figure things out. He knows. He humbly admits his limitations. He asks God for help listening and understanding.

Wisdom.

We need a few leaders with humility and a listening heart to guide their team forward. We need a few leaders willing to slow down and understand, I mean deeply understand, those whom they wish to lead. We need wise leaders, don’t we.

Today, during practice 89, we witnessed Jimmy and Joy bubble up some conflict. Remember, most conflict is simply a conversation to be had. Most conflict germinates from confused brains. The sending brain clearly knows it’s intent but words, timing, and those crazy emotions cloud their message. A confused brain hearing from a well intended but partly cloudy brain hasn’t got a chance. The hearing brain mainly hears history and most of our memories are negative when the germinating seed was confused.

Today, in front of peers, leaders, and even my Mom, we practiced developing understanding hearts. We learned a ton about challenging to improve performance and not to prove a point. We learned about each other. A number of conversations were had. We’re not Solomon yet, but a couple teammates had the courage and the heart to ask each other for clarity. A couple began to gain clarity. Both began to understand some of the roots beneath the surface. Wisdom was built. Thanks, Jimmy & Joy for asking for it.

What, my friend, are you asking for…