Speaking out of turn

There is a time to talk and a time to be silent.

This can often be a big struggle.

I know when I am in an important conversation, there is times to talk and times to listen.

You can always tell a good friend by how they listen.

I once had a friend who I liked spending time with.

He was a cool guy I met at LCC (Lansing Community College) and was fun to be around.

I saw he was on AIM (AOL instant messenger) on day after moving out of the area.

I started to talk to him.

He was telling me about all the amazing things that were happening with him.

How he was furthering his career and school.

It was awesome.

The conversation kept going and it was good to catch up.

After about 15 minutes of talking, I realize something.

He never once asked how I was doing.

I wanted to see how long this would go for.

It ended up being a half an hour conversation on him.

We ended the conversation and I thought, I am not going to contact him and see if he ever contacts me to see what's going on.

I saw him up on AIM just about every week.

He never once contacted me to see what was going on.

It all revolved around him.

Ever been in a situation like that?

Or it could go the other way, where your friend needs you to listen to them as they tell about some important things going on and instead you blurt in the conversation and make it all about you?

Sometimes we tend to speak when we shouldn't or listen when we need to speak.

Peter was once watching something amazing happen with Jesus.

He was watching Jesus talking with Elijah and Moses at the top of a mountain.

He didn't know what to say to the two people that appeared out of nowhere to talk with Jesus.

Feeling uncomfortable, Peter speaks up in Mark 9:5-6…

"Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)"

Peter was up there watching this take place with James and John.

They sat there in awe.

They didn't know what to think or do.

So in this time where they should have been listening, Peter breaks the silence by mentioning this above.

Right after speaking a cloud engulfed them and told them, "This is the son whom I love, listen to him!"

Peter spoke at a bad time.

This is a growing experience, learning when to talk and when to be quiet.

This is something I struggle with.

Whether it's comic relief or in a serious situation.

I need to do a better job of being slow to speak and quick to listen.

Blurting out answers isn't always the best thing to do.

We all have weaknesses, this is one I need to work on.

What's something you need to work on?

Have a great day.