slow to anger, quick to listen

"Quick to listen” was what James was advocating. Slow down judgment but speed up the understanding. Simple. But it’s hard. Because there’s so much within us—experience, reading, insights, lessons, tons of “wisdom”—waiting to ooze out and fix the “problem” before us.

Being “slow to anger” and “quick to listen” to me involves emptying oneself at least for the moment. It involves creating space for the “other” to simply be, for a moment.

Our role is more as a companion, to walk alongside those who are genuinely seeking to make sense of life in all it’s complexities. This act of “kenosis,” i.e. the emptying of ourselves, or by implication the restraint of or limiting our “power” doesn’t mean we jump into the mud of these complexities uncritically; but it does give the phrase “getting our hands dirty” a fresh twist.

When we are in the midst of this process, we will need to confront the insecurity and uncertainty it brings. But we don’t have to be afraid, especially when our faith is in the One who holds on to us (somehow and in some way!).

-Sivin Kit-

Wow. How true. At least for me :)