Listen With An Open Heart

March 9, 2003

            In my early years of teaching, I had a student who loved recesses with a passion.

            Benny loved every kind of sport.

            Loving every kind of competition, Benny looked forward to our annual “Play day in the spring.

            I had already posted the students’ assigned jobs during Play Day week when the secretary brought me a new student.  Benny’s assigned job, "Special Friend," included showing the new student around and escorting them to various classes.  This meant he had to stay close to the new student most of the day.

            I could see disappointment in his face.  His intense desire to participate in the activities brought mixed emotions because of his special duties.

            “Benny, would you like for me to appoint a substitute for this new student today?” I asked him.

            Benny tried hard to convince me he would fulfill his responsibility.  “That’s OK, Mrs. Clayton.  We’ll have another Play Day next year.”

            The longing in Benny’s eyes compelled me to appoint a substitute anyway.  So Benny competed in every event and won many ribbons.

            At the end of the day, Benny hugged me tight and ran to the school bus.  Once on the bus, he waved from an open window:  “Mrs. Clayton, you’re the best teacher in the whole world…” his voice fading as the bus turned the corner.  I watched the bus disappear through a blur of tears, thankful that I had seen and listened with my heart.

            I have learned through the years that people are different, yet alike.  Everyone, young or old, needs a heartfelt touch of understanding.

            If I make the first step, most people respond with friendliness, especially children.

            There is something unique about each person and that uniqueness comes from the heart.  People have different ways of expressing themselves.  Listening requires patience to hear what is said between the lines.

            We spend our lifetimes gaining wealth, and then spending the wealth to regain our health.  In the pursuit of life, the really important things are neglected.

            In Mark 4:39, the disciples feared for their lives upon the troubled sea.  They called out to Jesus:  “He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves: ‘Quiet!  Be still!’  Then the wind died down and it was completely cal.”

            What about the storms in our lives?  Problems of every kind can rock our boats.  We have two choices:  Run in panic or trust in God.  The believer’s destiny is assured.  He or she is sending treasures on to heaven while traveling this earthly journey.

            I feel we live this life too many times in the past or in the future.  Do we really listen to those around us?  Unspoken words reveal the pain, hurt and pleas for help.  Being sensitive to others is a virtue and solves a lot of problems.

            That really gets to the heart of the matter.