This little rabbit nibbled grass near our back door. He lifted those ears as soon as he heard us behind him. His body went down, but his ears went up! “I’m all ears” he seemed to say. “I hear your every move and sound.”

He stopped:

• Eating
• Twitching his nose
• Hopping
• Looking around.

We had his full attention.

We can learn a lot from that kind of focus. Don’t you wish people would listen to one another so well? How often do we try to talk to someone, but we don’t give or receive full attention? While one person talks, the other person’s attention strays to:

• The television
• A cell phone
• A computer screen
• Another person
• A book
• Work
• Anywhere but on the person talking

What does that say to the person trying to be heard?

• I’m too busy.
• You’re not important.
• Leave me alone.
• Someone or something else matters more than you.
• I don’t care what you have to say.

Let’s listen to one another—really listen, with our ears, with our eyes, and with our body language. Like our rabbit friend, let’s send the message, “I’m all ears. I want to hear what you have to say.”

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19 NIV).

Do you have a favorite expression or one you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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