Listen . In order to hear anything, one has to learn how to listen (which may be problematic since "listening skills" rarely are taught in K-12 curriculum, whether in language arts, English, or speech classes). I remember teachers reminding students, especially rambunctious ones, "You have two ears and one mouth for a reason!" They rarely followed up with "listening skills development" techniques. Adults admonished us to save our "outdoor voices" for the playground or basket ball courts. Nowadays, noise bombards us, so much so that its opposite typically brings pause. What's wrong? It's too quiet. Put on some music; turn on the television; even, "whistle while you work!" We rarely implore students (or adults for that matter) to put on their "listening ears." In truth, do we know who or what or when, where, or why to listen? Especially, do we know how to listen? Probably...
"Why in the world would she do that? How could he? I'd NEVER think to do what they did..." Thus begins my ego-centered monologue about the efficacy of other people's decisions, choices, or boundaries. Admittedly, I base my determinations solely on my belief system. Truth be told, I rarely evaluate the quality of my conclusions. Even as I ask, I reconcile a probable answer, whether as simple as "Why do I have brown eyes?" or "Why does an antiquated law remain enforceable?" It's one thing to wonder why people launch unprovoked attacks on others; it's quite another, however, when I attack myself as if I were distinct "Other." Nevertheless, I'll ask. Why do I accuse, then indict myself for a misstep or infraction; convene and conduct a trial in which I serve as prosecutor and jury; then declare myself guilty as charged? Not surprisingly, I expect and get the harshest punishment the law allows. Why? Even as I ask, I redu...
miracle - a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency; a highly improbable extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences. "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thought of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11a) Knowledge. Discernment. Understanding, Wisdom. These gifts come in stages or phases, although many of us may disagree on the definition of terms. I use "stages" and "phases" synonymously to depict progression that leads to a "knowingness," or the acquisition of wisdom. What do I mean, and how do these terms describe the miracle of how God works in my life? Two seemingly disparate concepts account for illumination and growth. First and foremost, I am a teacher. I cannot remember when I didn't know this. An early memory derived ...
Now that's deep🌼
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