listen to the hearts

Each day we encounter at least some if not many people. Among those encounters, we have some interactions either by simply smiling, nodding, shake hands, or with some lines of sentences. We communicate with and communicate something to others in every single motions of ours. For me, each morning on waking up, I can see and say one or two words to some friends who detune in very soft voice, or still snoring on their beds.

Going to campus, I see many faces with various expressions, gestures and motions. Simply smiles and greet them: "Hi, Selamat pagi." or "Pagi, Ruth!", "Pagi, Ronny!" It's very good to see them in the morning and to see them smile back at me.

However, it's not a secret that when we meet and encounter those around us, some are ready, in good and cheerful mood yet some are distracted and needful. No wonder if sometimes they just didn't respond too enthusiastically and feel right. It is very challenging to me to find that others around me have feelings or emotions which influence how they respond and act. And living among youths make me realize about this little by little as the time goes by.

I am pondering on this and reminded with what St. James tells us, "Remember this, my dear brothers: be quick to listen but slow to speak and slow to rouse your temper" (James 1:19 JB). How true is it even to the smallest thing in our live. Let me to share an example I make for this with two scenes. The content and context are the same but the impact is totally different!

(1) (quick to speak, ignoring feeling)

"Hey Ken, Mr. X is very harsh and mean to me!"

"What do you say? it's not very polite.. Well, Yeah, I know sometimes he is!"

"It doesn't make sense that because I forgot (left) my homework at dorm then he spoke harsh to me!"

"Wow... How could he do that? I can't imagine that happens to me"

"Well, let's see if He would change from such badness or I will leave his class!"

(2) (quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger)

"Hey Ken, Mr. X is very harsh and mean to me!"

"You sounds very angry, Nick..."

"Yeah... It is just because I forgot (left) my homework at dorm, that he call me lazy and disrespect him!"

"Oh?"

"Well, sometimes I forgot something... but I don't like the way him doing."

"Mmm.. It must be upsetting to be misunderstood and it'll take a little time to get cool down and tell the truth"

"Yes... Next time I'll not leave my homework :D for sure! I think I will see Mr. X soon to explain it and to apologize for my carelessness this time."

Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!