The Art of Hearing?

There is a lot of noise in the world. Social media, news media, table talk and various conversations everywhere make up the noise swirling in my head. Fake news, alternative facts, gospel truths. What's real? What's not?

This begs the question: how well do we hear? Are we good listeners? Or are we just mouth peices spewing more noise into the atmosphere?

Listening is an art form I struggle with daily but there is something to be said about working those muscles. In doing so I hear a story. And in that story I meet a person. And in that person I come to see and know God better.

At his baptism in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus. And out of the heavens comes this great voice speaking to the world. It's God, who says..."Listen up, give me you undecided attention, this is the One I am sending you. My beloved son who will redeem all who listen to his words. So listen. And you too will be my beloved child."

Ok, that is my interpretation of the event. But hearing is super important to living faithfully. But don't just take my word. Listen to the words made popular by Quaker peacebuklder Gene Knudsen Hoffman: "An enemy is one whose story we have not heard."