Giving What We Want From Others

"What is the nicest thing someone could do for you today? Then go do it for someone."
Perhaps, I should. Why not today?

I live in an area that isn't that much into multi-sport. Seldom do I mention what I love to do to others. When I do their reaction is often a blank stare that can often precede falling asleep.

So today, I would like to be listened to. That is what I want. I would like someone to seriously, actively listen, as I blabber on and on in excitement about my training, possible events, goals, dreams, bikes, courses, and so on. That is what I would like and that is what I need to give. So, today, I will actively listen to someone else, whether I am initially interested in their what they want to talk about or not. Today, I would like to be listened to someone, like I would love to be listened to myself.

And perhaps, in stepping inside someone else and stepping outside myself, I will grow, and gain more from the giving attention than the receiving? Like the words of an old John Denver song: "exactly where it's coming from is where it's going to." The song is talking about love, and I guess I am too. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Perhaps it is an act of obedience to love someone enough to really listen to them?

Being listened to is so close to being loved that most people can't tell the difference.
David Augsburger