LISTENING OR LISTING

From My Perspective - - -

The US Senate is beginning to look like a Mental Institution that has been taken over by the patients – there is so little order, decorum or common sense on display there currently. An example is a Newsday Article (January 8^th, 2009) regarding: “Senate Democratic leaders yesterday laid out a path for former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate, softening their initial ardent opposition to Burris' appointment last week. After an hour-long meeting with Burris on Capitol Hill, Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Majority Whip Richard Durbin of Illinois told reporters that they would consider Burris' appointment if it is certified by the Illinois secretary of state and if Burris testifies successfully before legislators in Illinois who are considering the impeachment of Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is accused of corruption charges, including looking to sell Obama's Senate seat. Once that's done, we'll be in a position to see what we're going to do, said Reid, who last week had declared any appointment that Blagojevich made would be tainted. In a news conference yesterday morning, Obama said he would accept Burris as his replacement in the Senate.” The List of things for Mr. Burris “to do” if he is to be considered is bogus and a face-saving procedure to cover-over the foolishness of the Senate Majority Leader. It is part of the game people often play in Washington, DC.

This reminded me of a “to do List” suggested by Max Lucado in his book, IN THE EYE OF THE STORM. He speaks of various “lists” that people could and should consider for their lives. Among his suggestions are: “The Bible certainly has its share of lists. Moses brought one down from the mountain. There are lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Lists of good fruit and bad. Lists of salutations and greetings….” Then he shares a long list of “to do” things for the New Year - - -

• Love God more than you fear hell.
• Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
• Make major decisions in a cemetery.
• When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
• Succeed at home first.
• Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
• Pray twice as much as you fret.
• Listen twice as much as you speak.
• Only harbor a grudge when God does.
• Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
• Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
• It’s wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
• God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
• When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
• Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
• Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
• The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
• Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
• Live your liturgy.
• Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the Captain.

Consider these things with me - - - A pithy statement from the past states: “God has given you two ears and one mouth – he expects you to do twice as much listening as you do talking.” That’s the idea shared in James 1:19 (NLT): “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Elected officials surely need to put those words into practice – but then – so do you and I. Have you…we…I been diligent in trying it? I didn’t think so!