John Kitsco

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As each day opens a new vista of opportunity we often need to be heard. In the morning before going to work often a husband or wife tries desperately to tell
that one little story, perhaps what he or she dreamt last night, perhaps some ideas for the next vacation. Perhaps something about what the kids did or didn't do and so on and so forth.  As husband begins the journey to the outside world
he comments to his wife..."gotta go, love you dear..." to which dear wife replies...
"but..but...but...didn't you want to hear what happened down the block at the neighbors place yesterday...??" and hubby in a growl retorts:  ..."nope..." and
so goes life. Someone wanting badly to speak. And someone else not always wanting to listen, or for that matter, having the time. Such a busy world.

In reality, there is a time to speak and a time to listen. Just walk over and sit
in your local court house some day. You can experience first hand all the trouble and grief and sadness. Those who speak. And those who listen.

Attend Church and note how the priest, or rabbi, or pastor or minister motions
often to the congregation while trying to make a point.

Yet, how many of us have really made that big effort to be a good listener. A real
good listener. Some are champs in this department. Others fail desperately.
Keeping in mind the time and place to express our viewpoint, the time we want
to be heard, yet know in our hearts its the wrong time.  Or the right time, but
something holds us back.

I recall taking a public speaking course and part of the course involved having
to come up with a story of some importance to which the other members of the
class could respond. In other words, ask questions.  The instructor had us warm
up by saying toy boat, over and over. After a while you did not want to hear or even think about a toy boat. But it did the job. Helped to limber up the jaw and ready us for a journey of speech. And it was not easy. Some shook in their shoes
and others found their feet quickly with much wit and generated some emotion,
usually laughter. They knew the words fell fast and hard and were grabbed onto
by those who listened. They spoke. The others listened. 

Whether stepping outdoors for a midnight stroll or getting up early, we find
ourselves at the beck and call of nature. We want to listen. Nature needs to speak. And therin lies part of the beauty of the comment of the old gentleman:
"...thats why the Good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth....."