Question. Have you ever been charged with a task that you thought was somebody else’s responsibility and it turns out it was yours all along? Has God ever put you in someone else’s situation where action was needed but you deferred only to realize that your decision was needed all along? Follow me.
I have inherited a situation that requires me to issue directives or to seek answers from people that may be affected by the outcome. This situation has lasted far longer than it should have. Resolution is easy but those involved aren’t listening to the answers. We are all guilty of not hearing what someone has to say from time to time because we’re human. Let me share a story with you.
In my late teens and early 20s. I worked at a college. A college workplace is a great breeding ground for social development because you meet people of all professions, ages, races, religions and genders. And for a young man, it can be a lot of fun too…… I met a lot of good friends there.
One year I met this lady who became a good work friend. My job required me to visit some of the offices during the week and I would see her two or three times a month. We always had great conversations. When school opened for the Winter semester I ran into her shortly before Valentine’s Day. She asked me what Cupid was gonna get me for Valentine’s Day and I said a whole bunch of chocolates and sweets as my girlfriend at the time knew how much I like candy. I asked her what she wanted and she said a dozen of yellow roses and some other things that her “boyfriend” was gonna get her.
I didn’t see her on Valentine’s Day but ran into her a few days afterwards. She didn’t have her usual smile and seemed to be a bit distant. She said yes when I asked her she was okay. I asked how was her Valentine’s Day and she said it was okay. When I asked if she got her yellow roses she looked at me sadly, stared deep into my eyes and said, “Well, no because the only person I ever mentioned it to didn’t get them for me.” Wait a minute, did I miss something…
Ever since that day I’ve made it a point to listen and not just here when people are talking to me. You may miss something important if you don’t. I still miss a word here and there, but not many. Remember this: sometimes what is NOT said is just important as what IS said.
So I have listened when my opinion was solicited for my current dilemma. Which does NOT involve hopeful suitors. Now I hear what is needed. It’s gonna take more than just a dozen yellow roses though………
The Real Life Corner 