listen

“It is not in differing from one another

that disunity arises-

it is in not listening to God

and each other.”

- Kenneth Sutton

offer a space

"We cannot change the world by a new plan, project or idea.

We cannot even change other people

by our convictions, stories, advice & proposals,

but we can offer a space where people are encouraged to disarm themselves,

lay aside their occupations and preoccupations and listen with attention & care

to the voices speaking in their own center." - Henry Nouwen

This is an excellent definition of spiritual direction,

and it's true, we can all offer a space to listen to one another.

photo of the fountain in my backyard

Got Gravy?

We're not very good at listening are we? And yet it's one of the greatest gifts we can give one another. I remember childhood Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house, where potatoes were always on the menu.

As I recall, she would create a well in the top of the mashed potatoes. It was a protected space used to hold the butter or the gravy.

Well, that's exactly what good listening does. It creates a protected space and shelter for the words, thoughts, and feelings of the person you're listening to. May we all remember to create such sacred spaces for one another!