The Art of Conversation

The value of conversation could almost be considered a lost practice today in this age of emails, voice mail, text messages, and instant messages. Many things are changing around us. There was a time individuals had to pick up the mail everyday from the post office if you expected to receive your bills and more especially receive payroll checks or maybe benefits from the government. Well those days are almost gone as companies use direct deposit to pay employees; even the government uses debit and credit card systems for benefits. Those monthly bills that once grew into a stack on desk and tables in our homes have been replaced by green friendly billing. Who imagined that we would go to an inbox and not a mail box to receive monthly statements and invoices? Even more imagination would have been needed thinking that just 20 years ago we would be paying our bills on-line from internet banking systems much less just going to individual website and placing our personal and sensitive information out there in the air waves of the untamed internet?
Lots of changes have been occurring. I’m not saying that any of these mentioned and bad or not useful, I’m only saying “wow, things are really different from just a few years ago and the pace of new arrivals in methods and techniques are at flood stage.” There is one art that we must recapture and that is the art of conversation. When I think about the problems that are faced by some families and individuals it is easy to ask the question have you spoken with anyone about this? The shock is in the answer that most have not talked with anyone about possible answers or solutions and thus the art of conversation and the value of listening and observing others is slipping quickly from a practice that is fundamental to interpersonal development.
Having helped and worked with individuals facing the issue of drug abuse, listening is vital to hearing the truth, and for many individuals finding folks to just talk—yes, small talk is a difficult task. In our pace as movers and shakers it is sad to see folks not willing to spend any length of time in just hearing someone out, or listening to their position on a subject. I would encourage everyone to find someone to talk with, someone to express ideas to, and someone to share moments with that build and strengthen relationship, all because of time shared talking.
It could be that you are reading this column and thinking, I don’t know anyone to just sit and talk with. Could be you have discovered a silent period in your life where no one is engaging you in questions which makes for a guaranteed time of loneliness and quite. I would suggest there is a friend who listens well. I’ve discovered in Jesus Christ that someone. Not only does he listen well but He speaks back in profound ways that make a real impression and sometimes shake me to my inner core. The art of conversation is a treasure that needs to be recaptured in our lives and if you have no one to talk with please allow me to recommend my friend Jesus. You will discover strength and courage from sharing and listening, give it a try today.

Until then