Understanding

I am not fully mature yet. This is something I know because despite reading words of wisdom I have yet to hit that groove of consistency that sees me applying them under all circumstances. When I hit that groove then that will be a good sign.

In the meantime, one thing I am still entrusted to do is to deliver modules for others in a bid to helo them mature. One module looks at the concept and reality of Work Ethics. An element of that module looks at the importance of communication and I find it intriguing that guidance notes I have on the matter only refers to talking and listening when there is something far more important on which these two rest and I believe the book of Proverbs bears me out on this. Talking and listening mean nothing without understanding.

There.

I said it.

Getting to know this life business a bit better as I get older I am discovering that mature people do well because they seek to understand and work from a shared understanding in their relations. They establish that understanding from the person with whom they are relating and refer everything back to that. Overtly or subtly that enables them to at the very least consider carefully and respond appropriately to most situations.

Understanding is a mental and spiritual exercise that identifies and develops foundations on which effective communication can take place. The joy of learning and relationships especially in my marriage is coming to terms with how little I understand my wife and how much I need to understand her to love her right. That’s why there’s little point flattering her with gifts as an expression of my love, when the way to her heart lies on a different path. A path that will help me with her and allow her to know I love her with understanding.

That applies to any successful relationship and it is the neglect of that, usually because of selfishness and insecurity, which explains the weaker, insubstantial and ultimately (as well as fatally) flawed condition of relationships in our world. Thus the voyage of discovery God calls us to is one of knowing and understanding. Him first and others as the natural step from there. In undertakung the patient process of understanding all good things flow.

Perhaps when I get a grip on that the maturing process will move me further considerably. Here’s hoping.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

dmcd