Be Still and Knowනියැදිය

But What If I Have Something to Say?

I almost always feel like I have something to say—an opinion, a comment, a complaint. It is hard to stay quiet. Having ADHD makes it even harder to focus, and I see the same pattern in my kids. They are brilliant but easily distracted. If a TV or phone is nearby, it’s like we are all in another world.

But being quiet without paying attention is not true listening. My wife has told me more than once that I don’t always listen to her. She’s right. I try, but sometimes my mind races ahead. Listening requires effort, attention, and love.

God listens to me endlessly. I talk to Him about everything, and He never interrupts or complains. But I also need to give Him room to speak back. Sometimes His answers come through peace, conviction, or quiet moments of reflection.

Jesus taught by speaking, but He also taught by listening. He noticed people’s pain and their hopes. He met them where they were. Proverbs says, “To answer before listening, that is folly and shame” (Proverbs 18:13), and that verse reminds me that listening is not passive—it is love in action.

When we listen before we speak, we honor others and we honor God.