I read a joke cum true life story that explains today’s blog:

A couple were celebrating 50years of marriage, the wife made a toast and said

“I have enjoyed this 50years with you”, and the husband raised his glass and replied –

” I have endured this 50years too”.

You know what happened next? The celebration ended and the 50years marriage was dissolved.

This is an extreme example but this shows how important LISTENING is in any relationship especially between couples and most especially between parents and children.

I remember few years ago we were sharing a story about a teenager and our daughter calmly replied -“that’s the problem with parents; they don’t listen.

We were silent and began to check ourselves, are we among those parents that don’t listen to their children because they look, sound and express themselves differently.

Every relationship thrives on communication and the ingredient for  successful communication is the ability to LISTEN objectively to the other party without assuming you already know what they are about to share.

Recently I had to pull my tooth and refill another; while the procedure was going on the lady at the front office asked if we were brushing our teeth the old way or new way.

Of course I sneered at her and wondered what nonsense she was talking about. My father was a dentist and my husband a doctor, what information can she possibly want to share that I don’t know.

Out of curiosity we decided to listen and behold she was right,  teeth brushing technique had changed and the new technique reduces tooth decay and gum disease.

Today we want you to ask yourself these questions:

-Does my spouse complain that I don’t listen?

-Do my children share their day with me or they prefer to be alone?

-Do I leave an open-mind during discussions even when I believe I know most of what is being discussed?

-Do I listen only to the words spoken or do I listen to the words, tone and body language of the speaker?

This weekend we ask you to make out time and LISTEN to your spouse, children, family and friends.

For when we truly LISTEN it shows that we love, appreciate, honour and respect the other person.

Love,

Ngee & Rich       

Founders of Keeping Marriage Alive Initiative

“Will two people walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” Amos 3:3 (CEB).