Practice Hospitality (Thought-Provoking Thursday)
Photo Credit: Shardy, via Pixabay
To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, to welcome, to accept.
Listening is much more than allowing another to talk while waiting for a chance to respond.
Listening is paying full attention to others and welcoming them into our very beings.
The beauty of listening is that those who are listened to start feeling accepted, start taking their words more seriously and discovering their true selves.
Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends, to get to know their inner selves more fully, and even to dare to be silent with you.
–Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, reading for March 11.
Lyli – A very powerful quote! I am printing this one to share with a friend coming over shortly. We had a conversation about “listening” yesterday to which this speaks so directly. So thank you for sharing this today.
Yay! I am so glad you were encouraged, Joanne.
I love how Joanne had a practical application for your post today almost immediately. How cool is that? I think we all need to be reminded of what true listening is. And I LOVE how you linked it back to hospitality. Perfect reminder for Thanksgiving season and all the family and friends we will encounter. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Nicki, thanks for linking up today. God has really been speaking to me on the subjects of listening and hospitality, and this quote tied the two together for me. How cool is that?
I love this quote!
I read it a few weeks ago and have been saving it for a rainy day. So glad that is resonated with you as well! 🙂
Amen. This is so true and a point I need to hear from time to time!! Yes, I am “supposed” to be a good listener but sometimes my mouth jumps ahead and forgets!!
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Lyli, I love you, by the way!
Yes, my mouth does the same thing. I am glad I am not alone (wink wink). Love you, too, my friend. You are a blessing. 🙂
Yes! I totally believe this to be truth:
“Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality” – may we all grow better at it. Thanks, Lyli.
Wow! And something about this seems like perfect timing to reflect on as we approach the holiday season. So good! You have quite the lovely community growing here, Lyli. xoxo
Thanks, Beth. Yes, I am praying God will help me to listen well as we head into the holidays.
Thought of this post this very afternoon as I shared teatime in my home with a dear sister in the Lord . . . listening . . . and discussing the value of “listening” in prayer rather than doing all the talking. Yes. I’m seeking to do more pouring out of the tea with a listening ear.
Joy!
Kathy
A wonderful quote to ponder, Lyli! I always try to be conscious of how much I’m talking vs. listening when visiting with a friend. And I mean listening, not just waiting for my turn to talk, lol! I love how true listening accepts the other person and give them value. Have a blessed week!
The art of listening also prepares us to hear the voice of the ONE who is calling to us in our waking and our resting, our rising and our sitting, our coming and our going.
🙂 Bless you, Lyli!
As a young mother, I was rude to two gentlemen who knocked on my door to share their “faith.” One asked me to look up a scripture as soon as they left, and I promised to do so. Oh how embarrassed I was “be not forgetful to entertain strangers” cause they might be an angel. from then on I had a different method to get rid of door knockers, or phone salesmen – in kindness, I said, Thanks for your offer but at this time I must decline and say not today. Aren’t these blog hops fun?
Perhaps this is why when we really, really listen with all of our heart, we can feel so drained as we truly try to feel what one is going through. Hospitality is an excellent to be the hands, feet, and ears of Jesus. Thanks so much for the reminder and for the link-up, Lyli!