My One Word For 2021: Listen

My One Word for the year 2021 is Listen.

I picked it in December and it started having an impact on me right away.
When you speak for a living, it’s good to remember you don’t always have to be the one speaking in life off the air. You don’t have to fix all the problems, have all the right answers and comment on everything

Learning begins with listening.

Over the years being in radio, I’ve noticed my attention can be so intensely focused on what we are talking about next, (the next break as we would call it), that I don’t hear what’s being said to me in the moment. I’m already having a conversation in my head for the future.

I want to be a better listener and remember the details of the precious personal things that people share with me. I want to love God and love people well, and paying attention by really listening is what I know God is calling me to. I’ve had a chance to see the power of this word quite dramatically this year.

When there are conflicting opinions all around you, when there are people you love and respect that have views that are different than yours, listening is your superpower. Listening breaks down walls. Listening helps us keep soft hearts for one another. And we must keep soft hearts.

There’s so much scripture that is just changing my heart right now and confirming this word for me. I’ll share more in the coming weeks, but to start, how about this one: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” -Paul, Ephesians 4:29

And how about this one too:“…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:19-20