In One Ear and Out the Other

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. James 1:22-24 (The Message).

How many times have you been talking to someone and felt that your words were going "in one ear and out the other"?  Listening is sometimes difficult.  Our brains may be swirling with thoughts of errands we have to run or tasks to be completed, but a friend is trying to tell us something that's important to them.  We may think we're being good listeners, when we really aren't.    

The last couple of years have seen a number of changes at Eastridge.  We've had staff and membership additions and subtractions.  We've gone through several periods of transition, and we're in the midst of another one as we try to decide what the staffing model will be for the future. 

We've spent time discussing the changes, but have we really listened to each other?  Listening is an extremely important part of any transition period.  We need to listen to others, to God, and to ourselves.  It's easy to appear to be listening, but we may only be hearing the words, without understanding their meaning.  We may be thinking about what we plan to say when we get the chance. 

Many exciting programs are on the calendar at Eastridge as we move ahead as a church.  During this period and into the future, we need to strive to be open to all the voices in our church.  And we need to be ready to act on what we hear, so that we don't forget who we are, what Eastridge looks like now, and what it can look like in the future.    

Prayer: Dear God, We thank you for giving us the ability to listen and to hear your voice.  We pray that you will continue to be with us into the future, reminding us when necessary to be patient.  Amen.

Robin Hadfield