Listening Corner

     Yesterday morning in the news, there was a heartwarming story about a guy that realized he wasn't the only one feeling a bit lonely during this pandemic. He had gotten to a point where he wasn't sure if anyone would care if he were gone. He didn't feel like he had anyone to listen to him. So, he did something vulnerable and appropriately risky--set up a listening spot on a street corner. Almost every day he would be there for several hours. Putting up a tent and comfy chairs under it, he posted a large sign that announced free, no judgment listening. People stopped and shared all sorts of themselves from baking recipes to deep confessions. One man stopped on his way to suicide, his sign and conversation changed his path and his life. He returned another day to tell him that he saved his life.

     I tried to find this story so that I could post the link for you and found another story of another listener who set up free and open listening on campus steps along a main sidewalk. He found similar results, that people needed to be not just heard but listened to. Wow, these stories are inspirational. Siblings in Christ, this is a great witness to humanity and our capacity to be helpful for on another.

     In stark contrast, I saw a news story this morning about an anti-masking protest in a state struggling with rising COVID cases. Protesters were gathered around a public health professional in his car and I heard a snip-it of the protesters yelling that he couldn't hide and he wouldn't be safe to appear in public ever again. The video showed what happens when listening doesn't happen while tensions run high. I have posted previously about the Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma," which I recommend as a deeper commentary into one of the chronic struggles that we are facing. Listening only to yourself and your side leads to more conflict and polarization. Open and free listening to one another outside in the open air is a beautiful antidote.

     If you need to talk. I am here to listen. Send me a message and we can sit out on a corner under a tent or an umbrella!

     To give credit where credit is due, I was inspired to write this devotional also by a conversation with Martin the frog and the other animals that appear in Children's Messages. It is important to consider other's complaints (like his that I was not giving the animals appropriate credit in the bulletin and the Climber newsletter), listen carefully and respond as much as is possible. Feedback is important! During this time it is important to be kind and patient with one another.

     The best listener and scripture connection that I thought of for today is John 10:1-6:

‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

     I thought of Jesus knowing us so well, and us listening carefully for his voice. Certainly, there are numerous others Bible stories about listening. Which one did you think of?

Great God, we thank you for listening to us, for hearing our cries and complaints. Even when we are not worthy of your attention, you still chase after us and do all that you can to help and guide us to the place of rest and peace. We praise you for this new day and all that you so generously give. Teach us to listen to you and to others more fully and with care. Show us the way to share of our lives and our time for the building up and spreading of your Reign. In the loving Name of the Good Shepherd, we pray. Amen.

Here is a good link to go deeper on listening: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/listening-essential-tool-anti-racism-work (Yes, listening is also helpful for anti-racism work!)