“Friends, be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry.” - - James 1:19
“Kelsey, would you like to read your story to the class today?” the cheery young teacher asked.
Kelsey lowered herself in her seat, hoping to become invisible. She hated reading out loud almost as much as she hated writing.
When she was taken from her home 5 years ago, Kelsey was given 10 minutes to pack her stuff. No one told her where she was going or what the long-term plan was for her. She entered foster care with little information and even less influence on decisions affecting her.
“No!” she replied indignantly. She wanted to say more, but figured it best to stop there.
The teacher’s once-happy voice turned less friendly. “Well,” she said, “I’d like you to try it anyway!”
Kelsey reluctantly stood by her desk and prepared to speak.
“I’d like you to speak from the front of the classroom,” instructed the teacher. This was clearly shaping into a test of wills.
Visibly aggravated, Kelsey made her way forward and positioned herself stage-left facing her classmates. “In the center please!” the teacher barked. Kelsey stood her ground and began reading. The teacher grabbed her abruptly and pulled the girl toward the middle. Unkind words followed pushing and shoving. Once again, Kelsey found herself outside the Principal’s office.
School policy required that she be suspended immediately; apparently pushing a teacher was a BIG deal. Soon her new Foster Dad arrived; she prepared for the worst.
But unlike all the others, he stayed calm. He actually asked her what happened. She sat defiantly for nearly 35 awkward minutes without responding. She wondered how long before he’d lose his cool. He never did!
Finally, Kelsey admitted to being deaf in her left ear, and nearly blind in her left eye. She chose the left side of the classroom so that she could see and hear the whole class.
Foster Dad had learned long ago that children want a silent, sympathetic audience far more than they want advice, stories or even prompting. He waited as long as it took.
To everyone’s surprise but his, Kelsey became more considerate, obedient and cheerful over time. Youth today are assailed by noise from every direction, including intolerant adults. They need to learn how to speak up, but they also need to be heard. The most precious gift we can offer them is our attention.
Lord, Your voice is unique; You promise that we will hear it. Help me to pause and listen for Your voice, and become more familiar with it. By listening to You more attentively, I will listen better to others. Amen
