I noticed years ago that I love to be like Barbara Walters and ask great questions, but I still need a lot of work in listening to the answers!

Doris Connelly in Spiritual Fitness: Everyday Exercises for Body and Soul quotes Joan Chittister: “When we start listening to the Word of God, to others around us, to those with wise hearts and tried souls, life changes from the dry and independent to the compassionate and meaningful.”

My self-preoccupation, stress, tiredness and interests inhibit my ability to dig into my children, husband, students and friends. Not listening creates a detachment from others that leads to a sense of isolation. I’m so unlike Christ who was the best listener of all times. He heard even what was not said and lived a life of watching and connecting with others.

It continues to be my prayer that I would grow as a listener (as well as a question asker) and gain new ability to listen to others and to my heavenly Father.

“A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions” (Proverbs 18:2).

—Jeana Beno is on IVCF staff at the University of Delaware. She and her husband, Rick, have two pre-schoolers, Nathan and Kelsey.