Have You Taken The Time To Really Listen
A friend came to me today and needed to talk.
As I sat listening, I wondered just how many times
I had said, "If you need me, I'm here for you".
As this friend began telling me what the problem was,
I realized, I was turning out and off. As I
watched what was being written, my mind wandered.
I thought to myself, this is such a small problem
compared to what I am facing right now, why do
I waste my time?
But then something was said that grabbed me and moved me.
This friend described how much turmoil had come into
her life and how she just felt alone. How she didn't
think she wanted to continue living. At this point,
I struggled for words to tell her, "NO! That was not the solution."
I even said, "You have many who care for you and are here for you". . .see, there it was again, that old phrase, but
is it really true? Do we just express empty words that have no real meaning? Do we just say them because, at the time, they seem appropriate? Do we REALLY mean these words? So many come to trust one another, why we even share our deepest darkest secrets and at times these secrets become known to all. Is this the way it should be?
After much time and effort I really began to listen and pay attention. My inner voice said, "Hey, this time, this one is for real. She is really serious and she has come to me because I said I will be here for you." We talked a long while and after much discussion, she understood, there was someone to reach out to and someone who would make a difference and just listen. And I realized, it doesn't take much time or effort to be there when a friend needs me. My troubles may seem larger than life, but maybe, just maybe, that one time I ignore a plea for help, is the one time it is REALLY needed.
So, next time you say those few simple words, "If you need me, I am here for you", think about it. . .Do you really have the time and are you really there? It may make the difference in someone else's life.
~author Unknown
