W.A.I.T.

A friend once gave me a book entitled “The Book of Beautiful Questions” by Warren Berger. During that season, I was also completing a continuing professional education course on communication. And, of course, Scripture is overflowing with admonitions to use the two ears God has given us more than we use our one mouth.

God was trying to get my attention. As I looked in the “mirror” of self-awareness, I saw a reflection of myself that wasn’t flattering. And I still see that reflection in many situations.

It is easy for me to talk.

It is hard for me to listen.

Why is it so hard for us to really listen to others? I have a lot of theories, but I think it boils down to pride. We often think what we have to say is more important than what others have to say.

Words matter. They really do! Brody Austin and I had the opportunity to speak at a faculty chapel for Hope Haven Rwanda this summer. We focused on the power of the tongue and how careful we need to be when using it.

There is a wonderful short verse we could all benefit from memorizing and applying. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Yes, that’s right. We possess the “power of life and death” behind our teeth. Out tongues are tools. Similar to a “Panga,” the Swahili word for a large knife or machete, our tongues can help or they can hurt.

Years ago, I came across an acronym, which has been very helpful. I often tell my family I should get a tattoo of it—maybe on my forehead—haha!

W.A.I.T.

Why

Am 

I 

Talking?

Why am I talking?

Now that is a good question!

So, maybe jot these four letters on a note, stick them on your refrigerator or mirror. Maybe write them on the back of your hand…whatever works for you.

W.A.I.T. 

We might be surprised by how much our relationships deepen as we learn to listen more than we talk. Is God bringing someone to your mind who could really use your listening ears this week?