Is Anyone Listening

I think sometimes in our hurried worried we forget to listen both to the things being said and the things left unsaid. Perhaps we should learn to listen with our hearts as well as our ears.

"Is Anyone Listening?"
By Bob Perks

"How are you today?"

"I'm fine, how are you?"

"I'm not so good today."

Silence.

Most of the time we take conversations like this
as simple chit-chat. Nice words spoken as a
courtesy without real concern or obligation.

"How are you today?" he asks the next person.

"I'm doing great! How are you?"

"I've been better," he replied.

He rings up the sale, hands her the bag and
she leaves.

The next person moves up, "How are you today?"

"I'm doing fine," she said. But she never asked
him. I could see this empty look on his face.

I was in a local discount dollar store. I
was looking for wrapping paper which was
located near the front register.

Over and over I heard the same conversation
as customers were leaving the store.

No one took the next step. No one asked the
clerk why he was having such a bad day.

In my presentations I often speak about the
fact that in general we go through these
niceties but we really don't want to know
how someone is doing. Most times we don't
really tell the truth anyway because we
figure it's none of their business or
no one really cares about our troubles.

So, when I checked out I took it a step
further. I always do.

"How are you today?" he asked me.

"Wonderful, thanks. How are you?"

"Not doing well today," he replied.

"Work getting to you?"

"No, well, I don't want to be here."

"The day's almost over. I hope it gets better,"
I told him.

"This won't get any better."

"I'll say a prayer for you."

"That won't help. I have someone who is dying."

I set the bag on the counter, leaned in and
said, "I'm so very sorry. Is it a family member?"

"My grandfather. He's filling up with fluid.
His body is swollen and they say he only has
a few days."

I went on to tell him that my Gramps was my
favorite. "I really loved that man."

"He's my last grandparent," he added.

We talked a little more and looking at his
name tag, I reached my hand out and said,

"Clark, I am so very sorry. I promise to
remember you and your grandfather in my
prayers.

We shook hands and I left.

I wondered how many other people didn't ask.

How many times have you heard someone express
sadness, frustration or disappointment and
you didn't respond.

Sure, the line might be long. Step aside and continue
the conversation.

Sure, you might be in a hurry. This will only take
a few minutes.

Sure, in essence you might not really care. You'll
need someone to care one day, too.

But when someone is honest enough to tell you
things aren't so good today, they are hoping
that someone cares enough to ask why.

"Is anyone listening?"

J

Bob Perks

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"I Wish You enough!"
© 2001 Bob Perks

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear
much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."