The Rabbit Listened
Today in staff meeting, I read a children’s story that I have come to really enjoy. It is a story about a little boy and his need for someone just to listen when the blocks he was building come crashing down.
We are still in the midst of COVID, in a time where a lot of us were in the process of building when everything came to a halt. Some of us were building new relationships with friends, or new plans at work, or building on plans we created in the years past. Whether we were in the beginning, middle, or end process in friendships, work, community, we all have experienced this elongated pause. And even though so many of us are going through this pandemic together, we all experience this pandemic differently and need to be listened to amidst the many thoughts and emotions that have surfaced in this season. My friend, who we spent time with after our fire here last month who had gone through a fire in his community in Hume in the years past, wisely said, that though we all may be on the same bus, each of us experience the ride differently.
I know for me, as I have walked through hard circumstances, a listening ear from a friend has meant the most to me. Often times I have found many people shy away from being support to others in times of need because they do not know what to say. What we learn from this story is that the gift to another in times of need can often be…not saying anything at all.
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
One of my favorite things about this children's story is it reminds me of what we have in Jesus as the greatest Listener. He is our example of one who listens, knowing the thoughts and emotions we feel before we even feel them (Psalm 139). He is able to sympathize with us, as we approach the throne and find mercy and grace in His presence. We see also in Psalms that:
“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good.”
Presence is a gift, just like Jesus’ presence with us is our greatest gift. This is a way we can be Jesus to others, through our presence and willingness to listen. I hope as you listen to this book, link below, you too will be encouraged to consider that what we truly need in times of disappointment or hardship is simply the ministry of presence from another with a listening ear. Consider these questions below as you read/listen and reflect:
As you listen to the book reading, take notice of what comes up for you. Without judgement, what thoughts, feelings, ideas, etc. may have surfaced as you listened?
What difficult circumstance/s come to mind for you, when all you needed was someone to listen to you, where they gave advice (or something else unhelpful) instead? How did it make you feel?
What circumstance/s come to mind for you when someone took the time and listened to you? What was it like to be listened to?
What would it look like in this particular season of covid, or other hard, sad, painful, unexpected circumstances that others may be going through right now, to reach out to a friend? And without judgement, listen.
What would it look like to come before Jesus in your current circumstances and experience His presence as your good? Sit in a moment of quiet with Jesus and let your heart speak and receive. What truths, emotions, thoughts, do you want to bring to Him to listen to you, similar to Taylor’s many expressions he brought to the rabbit?
