1 Samuel 3:11 – And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. (KJV)

Raising kids taught me that we reach more, and more are reached, with dialogue and interaction, where both, or all, parties participate; as opposed to when we preach, using only monologue… usually mine.

At first it's kind of neat to perceive that we have "power" and they have to do what we say. After all, we know what's best; we've "been there", we've had experience; and also, it's kind of "our turn".

But we soon find out this doesn't work, and it's not long before we see we need more creative ways to continue to reach them. Of course, this translates into the workplace and every other place in which we choose, or need, to participate.

And too, the minute someone feels they are being "preached to", that little "hearing switch" has a way of automatically shutting off. The word alone is a little harsh, and just like that old fairy tale about the princess, it's the "P" which makes it uncomfortable. Once removed, the word becomes "reaching" and conveys a caring interaction between two or more people.

Perhaps Mother Teresa said it best, "Someone who is filled with joy preaches without preaching."

If we strive to communicate from a place of peace, or grace, or joy, we have a better chance of being heard and reaching those with whom we are interacting than when we take the superior stance of "preaching".

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to take the time to see some joy in every situation, that we may offer our thoughts and guidance from a place of love and inner peace. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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