Thrown off ScriptSample

Day 3 - Listen!

When you think of “improv,” what comes to mind? Comedy? Quick thinking? Crazy characters? Those things can certainly come into play, but it may surprise you to know that improv has been dubbed “the art of listening and responding.”

It’s common for improv students to jump straight to “responding” without listening. We can relate to this off-stage, too, can’t we? When something disrupts our life, we’re quick to respond in some way—anger, frustration, anxiety, fear. But those are all things we respond “with.” If we are instead quick to listen, we can take a moment to know what we are responding “to.” 

And what is there to respond “to”? In today’s passage, the depressed prophet Elijah experienced earth-shattering events, but they were only events. God was not necessarily in them. Where was God? He was in a still, small voice. Whenever your world is rocked and you are thrown off by the unexpected, practice the discipline of first leaning in and listening. God is nearby, and he is whispering. Why? Because the only way to hear a whisper is to get close. 

Take it to God: God, please help me to listen before I respond—to you, and to those around me.

Take action: In one conversation today, start each response with a listening statement. For example “So you’re saying…” or “It sounds like…”

It may feel uncomfortable at first, but notice the difference in your ability to listen and how the other person feels heard and understood.