This weekend, Orin and I had the privilege of serving as weavers and presenters at the Area Catholic Youth Conference in San Angelo, Texas. The event featured keynote presentations by Joe Melendrez and Damon West, Mass, Reconciliation, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, breakout sessions, a dance, and so much more. The program for the weekend centered on the event theme: “Listen ¡Oye!” We had a great time and were sincerely impressed by the attentiveness, reverence, and participation of the high school students in attendance. Congrats to Sr. Adelina, Jamie, and the rest of the organizers for a wonderful experience!
The event theme, “Listen ¡Oye!”, caused me to do a bit of reflecting on my own life experience with listening. First, though, before I pass along the unfortunate results of my self-evaluation in the listening department, I should tell you what I think listening is. Listening is different than hearing. Most people can hear. We hear things all the time. Right now as I type this, I can hear the classical music playing off of my iPhone and a bit of the chatter from the classroom next door. But, I’m not really listening to those things. To me, being a good listener involves actively turning our full attention to the person, being (in God’s case) or media trying to communicate something to us. It means showing respect to the communicator by thoughtfully considering what’s being communicated. Only through practice and patience can one truly become a good listener.
I am not a great listener. I try, but too often I’m either lost in my own thoughts, distracted by something nearby, or (and this is bad) I’m just waiting to talk. Actually, I almost always feel the need to add to what’s being said. Occasionally, I only seem like I’m listening. Years ago, at what I believe to be my lowest point as a listener, I was in a phone conversation with a close friend while simultaneously watching TV. At one point in the conversation, this friend spoke for a long stretch, during which all I was required to do was give an occasional “mm hmm”. I can honestly say I have no idea what my friend said to me because I very unconsciously started watching (and listening to) the TV instead of focusing on the call. I got caught when this individual’s vocal tone rose slightly to end a sentence, which I knew to be the unmistakable sound of my friend asking me a question. I was so embarrassed and had to admit that I must have tuned out of the phone call and focused on the TV. That memory still haunts me a little.
That’s how I am in my spiritual life sometimes. I read scripture, pray, attend Mass and say all the right words, but too often I’m just doing what has become automatic for me. The conference this past weekend has motivated me to work even harder at really listening, not only to God but to those whom God sees fit to put in my path.
-Shannon