Read between the lines .......

.....so you understand the difference between listening to the words and hearing what is said.  SO often we say we are listening to each other, but when asked to repeat what a person said, many times we cannot even grasp the subject properly.  What ever happened to taking turns talking?  What ever happened to discussions without the use of cell phones, computers, TV, radio or other worldly distractions?  My friend told me his favorite time was after WW II when all of the houses had porches and everyone used to sit on the porch and talk.  Neighbors would come by and visit.  You didn't need a holiday or an event to come together and talk.  For 2011, I am going to make a conscious effort to visit with people without bringing my phone to text someone else. I am going to try to let someone else talk until they are done trying to get their complete message out without interrupting or sitting on the edge of my chair waiting until they are finished so I can put in my 2 cents. These are acquired skills and I must confess that my skills need a little polishing.  I pray that everyone has a GREAT New Year and we can come together as friends, family, and community. Let's relax and start enjoying all of the people in our lives, LISTEN to each other, and stop worrying. "Don't sweat the small stuff and remember EVERYTHING is small stuff"!!