Put the cellphone down, talk less, and listen up

Last week, someone told me:

"Jason, the world needs people that can sit down and listen.  That can sit down and talk.  The world needs people that can care intentionally for each other.  We need to create space for each other without distractions like cellphones."  I then sat down and listened to this man speak to me about his faith and the church for a few hours.

In the same week, I heard about "Coffee for Peace."  A place in the island of Mindanao, Philippines where Muslims and Christians could put down arms and sit down and listen.  This happened at the MCC Asia Diakonia Conference where 8 Asian countries and their Anabaptist church leaders came together.  Their was lots and talking and listening among each other.  Rather than talking, I listen a lot.....although I had plenty to say, I listened.

Then there is my "job" with the church.  I listen a lot.  I listen a lot with little understanding during worship services.  I listen a lot with little understanding during the pastor's meeting.  I listen a lot with little understanding on young adult road trips.  There is no other way around that.  And that is fine.  It teaches you.  It teaches you how to care, to be humble and to hear God's voice.  I've learned that listening, being still, and just sitting with people, is the business of pastoral care.  

That is where I have found my groove here.  

It's the best witness I have. 

I could preach sermons, but there is already a dozen pastors that are doing that. 

I could attend more meetings, but there is already enough people at those. 

But preaching, more meetings and more time in the office, well.....that doesn't make me come alive and that is not what the people of Kudus need more of.  I come alive sitting still on the floor sharing stories and sharing a meal.  The world needs people that can do that.  That is Jesus' life.  That was and still is His ministry.  That is the life I strive to imitate, it is the ministry I embrace  

So as a wise man said earlier this week: put the cellphone down, talk less and listen up.