Stop and Listen

While eating my dinner I had the pleasure of watching a grandfather have fun with his grandson. They were reading from the young boy’s book, and the conversation was non-stop. The grandfather had brought his own book to read, and I noticed that he had closed it and put it aside. His full attention was on the exciting things his grandson was sharing.

The boy could not talk fast enough, and the grandfather kept asking questions. He listened and was fully engaged. There could be no doubt that he loved this child and his action showed it. He was the calm to the child’s enthusiasm. He had nothing better to do than listen and laugh, question and spend time with his grandson. No matter how many times the child repeated himself the grandfather remained enthralled and attentive.

It was heartwarming to see such love, such listening, such focus. The telling moment was when the grandfather stopped, closed his book, and gave his full energy and attention to this precious child. In a world where everyone wants our attention, when every moment is planned and scheduled, and when everywhere there is something screaming for our thoughts; the greatest gift we can give another human being is our time and attention. Relationships are not built simply by being in the same room, they are built and survive when we invest time and energy. Which means we have to stop and listen, and keep listening until we know and understand.

The lazy summer days are upon us, which means we have more things we want to do. I hope that for you some of your precious time and attention will be invested in those you love and want to know better. Turn off the electronics, put down your phone, stop ‘multitasking’ and listen. Let the other person know you care by making them the center of your universe, it will change your universe more than you know.