I don't know about you, but I always have something on my mind, somewhere I need to be, someone I need to call...........

I love people, so I'm definitely not complaining.

I'm just keenly aware that my mind never stops spinning with the next thing.

This spinning in my mind often causes me to miss parts of conversations going on around me.

I think while people are talking, and sometimes I pretend I hear everything even when I don't.

I don't like this quality in me and neither does God.

James says we are suppose to be quick to listen and SLOW TO SPEAK.

OUCH, OUCH, OUCH!

If you know me, you know I love to talk.

I don't think I love to talk just to hear my own voice.

I just love a good conversation.

But this morning, I'm thinking God is speaking very personally to me about what can happen when I am not SLOW TO SPEAK.

When I am not slow to speak, I am definitely not quick to listen.

NOPE.

I am not all ears when I am all mouth.

And I'm just thinking that in this fast-paced world with tweets and Facebook statuses literally running out our ears, God would love some "quick to listen" people.

There's nothing like a conversation with someone who is quick to listen.

You feel their eye contact, you notice their expression as you share your hurt, your fear, your concerns, and your happy moments.

They are with you in every sense of the word.  No cell phone distraction.  No interruption of your thoughts.  No checking their watch to see when they can run the other way.

I want to be that kind of friend. 

My challenge today is for all of us to intentionally choose a person to whom we will become committed as a "quick listener."

Maybe it's someone you work with who needs your ear.  Maybe it's your spouse.  Maybe it's a child or a friend.

I post this with great fear and trembling, because I know that many of you who read this interact with me every day........so, I'm sort-of putting myself "out there" in a way that says, "Hold me accountable, please."

In a fast-paced world, I believe God is looking for people who are "quick to listen."

I also believe He longs to see people who are slow to speak......and slow to become angry (I'm saving that for tomorrow!)

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

James 1:19-21