Laying Ourselves Aside
September 1, 2008
by Genel Webb
A few years ago, I read something where the premise was the following (and I agree, by the way). One way to get to know or learn another person is to refuse to focus on ourselves and really listen to them and hear what they’re saying. This statement is not a revelation, but if we examine whether we actually do this or not, the result may be a revelation.
When we’re meeting someone for the first time, some of us are preoccupied with making a great impression, so we’re thinking mainly about what we are going to say to them, while they are talking to us. We’re thinking about how we are being perceived.
When we can lay aside ourselves or put the concern of ourselves aside, we can truly hear what the other person is saying, and the feelings behind what they are saying. We hear their minds, their hearts and spirit.
I’ve come to the conclusion that when I’m going to be with others in a group or one on one, there is often a need for me to pray and ask the Lord to help me to keep my focus on others and never on myself. It never fails to make for an interesting encounter. Personally, I’m interested in all people, and I believe that everyone has an interesting story. People discern whether we are listening and have a real interest in them and whatever they are sharing. I encourage us to try to not present ourselves in these types of encounters — and let the preeminent focus be to listen and hear what others are saying. We’ll learn and get to know people much better.
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