Today, as I woke up, my voice was very croaky and as the day progressed, my voice gradually disappeared; however, that hasn’t altered my need to communicate with those around me. Unfortunately, it seems my family doesn’t understand my croaky voice or sign language, making communication difficult and a little exhausting.
To communicate, by definition, is information being exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviour. However, good communication takes time, practice and a willingness to put the effort and care into understanding and being understood.
I believe good communication is the desire to know someone; their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values, opinions, and heart. Without the desire to know a person, our communication will be limited. We will lack real enthusiasm, clarity, understanding, and the ability to respond effectively and presume we know what someone is feeling and thinking when we might not.
One of the most important ways to be a good communicator is to be a good listener who actively listens, pays close attention to what the other person is saying, asks clarifying questions and rephrases where necessary to ensure others understand.
Relationships are built and strengthened when we listen and share what is going on in our lives, too, and heart-to-heart connections are made.
One of the things I have learnt most about communication is that it helps if we make ourselves available to listen and understand. Unfortunately, “many people don’t listen with the intent to understand, but only with the intent to reply.” (S. Covey)
I encourage you to take some time today to think about how you can practice building your communication skills in your relationship with God and all He brings across your path. One of the most sincere forms of respect and maturity is listening to understand and then communicating well.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
Prayer: Lord, help me communicate well and share and listen to those around me more today. In Jesus name Amen
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