On the lost art of listening

Yesterday, June 29, 2008, we had a Big House meeting for the upcoming camp. Although it was a required meeting, 3 of our workers didn't show. 2 are in a band and they had a concert or whatever that day in a different city (our meeting was in Zavadka nad Hronom, where the Baldis', Martin and Eli, as well as their workers for camp live.). The other one found out the day before that her family would be traveling and she couldn't make it. Too bad; Kelly had some wonderful things to share about being a servant. I think that has been one of his heart's cries since I've known him; to be a servant. Like the older Christian "contemporary"song says, "If you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be a servant of all." There is another meeting for our part of the team next Monday; they all must show for that one, or else!
While at the meeting yesterday, I was struck anew with how... rude some of "our" students can be. We make all sorts of excuses, too. "Oh, she's a newer believer," or "She's an only child," or "They don't see each other so often." as if those are valid reasons for people talking while someone else has the floor. Last week, one of the guys (who was missing yesterday) couldn't seem to keep his mouth shut and comments to himself. I did get on his case a bit, but he needs to be brought down a notch or two, in my opinion. Seems that with his band, which is a Christian band, getting more popular, he's getting a bit of a prideful attitude, like he doesn't need to pay attention; he doesn't need to listen. The gal who wasn't listening yesterday is one of those who cuts off people as they are answering her questions, waving her hand as if she knows what is about to be said. She was asserting a certain idea, but it wasn't until Eli, who could be a bit more forceful in her language, emphasised one point that this gal finally understood. She asked, "Why didn't anyone tell me this?" To which we all, in shock, asked each other, "Are you kidding me? We've been saying this from day one!" Listen.
I fear that too many people, when they are "listening" are so busy formulating what they will say next that they don't really listen. They hear the words coming out of the speaker's mouth, but they aren't comprehending them; they aren't listening. I remember back when I was in college, one of our exercises was in active listening; hearing what someone was saying, asking questions to clairfy, and not thinking about a response or rebuttal; just listening to them.
I know that I am not perfect in this area. I do think, however, that I am a good listener. Maybe it is because I need to listen so closely when someone is speaking to me in Slovak, so that I understand. I hope that by the end of camp, that our student-workers have a better understanding of listening, and are better able to practice it.
Have you listened today? To whom or to what? Listen, it's a good thing to do!
And those are my thoughts on that!