It is amazing what
we learn when we spend less time trying to impress others with our story and
spend time listening to theirs.
I went to do a
hospital visit about an hour ago with my two oldest sons. After entering the
room and hearing how the church member was doing, I asked him about himself.
After probing a little, I found out that he was a Marine and retired after 20
years of service as an E8 (impressive!). I asked where he had served and he
gave me a list of around 10 places around the world that made me think he had
some stories to tell.
After more probing
questions (truly amazing people don't willingly tell about themselves; you have
to probe), I found out that the guy was a helicopter mechanic ... for Marine 1!
Yep, he worked on the helicopters that the President of the United States travels
on. I asked him if he ever met any of the Presidents when he rode on the
choppers. He said "yes," got a distant look in his eyes as he thought
and said: "Let's see, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Bush. I saw but
never met Reagan, though."
If he wasn't still
recovering from surgery, I would have loved to stay in that hospital chair and
hear more of his story! I bet he's got some incredible tales.
James 1:19 (New
Living Translation)
"Understand
this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to
speak..."
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