What Makes Tough Times Even Tougher?

The past few days have been anything but joyful for my family and my extended family. A family member has gone into medical crisis rather swiftly. Over the course of the past few days I have become more acutely aware of how important it is to communicate effectively.

I believe it is safe to assume that as individuals we would rate our communication skills as a ten on the “How Well Do You Communicate?” radar. However, how would you rate your listening skills?

Did you know that 80% of effective communication involves listening?

I would bet my husband made this statement at least a dozen times during several important conversations that transpired this week:

“You are not listening to me. Would you just listen for a minute?”

And I must shamefully admit that my daughter, in tears at two o’clock in the morning, reminded me that if I had “just listened” to what she was trying to tell me earlier in the day, she would not be having a meltdown well past midnight.

This has been a tough week.

Made tougher by mega arguments, angry rages, and tearful emotions.

Although only God can provide the miracle to bring my family safely through these tough times.

I do believe that if we listened more effectively to each other, we could alleviate some of the darkness.

How well do you listen?

Take this test and find out.

Don’t forget, if there is a question that you would like to have answered or a topic you would like to have discussed, be sure to email me at dbeverlyhills@gmail.com. All questions will remain anonymous. All answers will be sprinkled with my perspective.