I recently came to the conclusion that there is a difference between these two words.
I have been so guilty of listening to the words of another, then returning no validation to what they just spoke from their heart. My mind has been on other things and I didn’t really hear what they were saying. It hurts.
I have been on the giving end, and more recently on the receiving end of being listened to, but not heard.
I have been back and forth to many doctors over the last two years. I have walked in with confidence and walked out later with shattered hope. They listened, but they didn’t hear.
Last week I met with another new doctor. I walked into her office routinely ready for her to listen, tell me her opinion, then send me on my way. This time it was different. I spoke. She listened. I waited. She heard. I cried. She heard my pain. She heard my plea. Oh what a difference it makes!
It has opened my eyes to wanting to be more aware to those around me and how I react when they pour their heart out to me. I don’t want to listen. I want to hear. I don’t just want to hear their words. I want to hear what’s in their heart.
I encourage you to ask yourself today whether you listen or whether you hear.
Has someone heard you lately?
