Hear them…

Remember, the most damaging sins are sins of omission.

Recently, I interrupted practice and showed a strong leader how he can become stronger by slowing down and allowing others to finish their thoughts and express their feelings. You see, the best leaders listen for the yearning.

Here’s what led to the interruption. A teammate disagreed with their leader. They spoke truth in love. The integration is taking too long and the communication too infrequent. The leader heard them whining and quickly explained why their perspective was invalid. Of course, this is only my perception. I used a story as a way to drive home my point. I’m not sure how many understood the freakin’ magic learning in the moment, but it was there.

You will not stay married for long, friend, if you don’t learn to hear the yearning from your better half, not the whining. Most expressions of frustration, sadness, and anger are not the root emotion. Most humans when they communicate these feelings are deeply yearning for connection. They aren’t complaining as much as they are craving connection. So, hear the yearning friend.

Hear the yearning.

You cannot hear when in a hurry to respond. As you master this skill of tuning in like an animal being stalked, you will be rewarded. The more you give the more, paradoxically, you will receive. It is more blessed to give than receive. Thank you, Jesus.

Live hard. Love harder. Hear them…