Hi Reader, Later this week I’m giving an online talk to a group of 25-30 regional mission leaders serving in Asia. The title and topic they gave me to speak about: “The Gift of Listening.” In preparing for my time with these missionaries, I came across a quote that fits in well. Here's why I will be a good person. Because I listen. I cannot speak so I listen very well. I never interrupt, I never deflect the course of the conversation with a comment of my own. People, if you pay attention to them, change the direction of one another's conversations constantly. It's like having a passenger in your car who suddenly grabs the steering wheel and turns you down a side street.
– Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain
I especially like the last sentence. I’ve had many passengers in my car like the one described. I know you have, too. Lord, keep me from being one of them myself. Until next time, keep listening, John Certalic P.S. If you're interested in becoming a better listener, click here. It will take you to articles and podcast episodes on our website about this important topic. You Were Made for This is the podcast sponsored by Caring for Others, a missionary care ministry. |
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“At the end of the day, nothing matters MORE than relationships.” — John Certalic
How to Have Meaningful Conversations
Reader, One thing that deepens our relationships is to have meaningful conversations with people from time to time. Today’s episode of You Were Made For This gives a few example of how to do it. In today’s program I share a meaningful exchange I had with my barber a while back, along with a surprising conversation over a recent dinner with 5 friends. Click here to listen in, especially to what I learned from a friend while sharing a meal together. It was something that’s helping me be a...
What Are People Looking For?
Reader, Last week's episode of You Were Made for This, #204, was about a woman taking an unusual marketing approach to get new clients for her coaching business. She posted on the NextDoor social media app a request for 40 “deep conversations” by the time she turned 40 in a few months. As it turned out, the “deep conversations” request was nothing more than a disguised sales call. The most interesting aspect of the episode last week was how 99 people responded to this request for a “deep...
Deep Conversations With Strangers
Hi Reader, I was struck recently by a social media post of someone looking for “deep conversations with 40 people before I soon turn 40.” The initial post was interesting enough, as it took an unexpected turn. But more intriguing were the responses to this person’s request. They reveal something significant about the human condition. Click here to listen in to this thought provoking episode. It will likely stimulate your thinking for ways you can enhance your relationships. Until next week,...
Relationship Wisdom Needed Here
Reader, In recent episodes of You Were Made For This I’ve been talking about the power of listening. It’s been in the context of interpersonal relationships. But I came across something interesting a few weeks ago that speaks to the importance of listening from an organizational perspective. The Washington Post reviewed a book by two pastors from Orlando titled, The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?. I’ll have links to all of this...
The Virtue of Stinginess
Dear Reader, In podcast episode 202 “The Best Stories,” I interviewed Linda, a retired missionary who talked about taking her extended family back to Nigeria where she and her husband served for nearly 40 years. It’s a great story. Within this story is another story of a friend who listened well...
“Keep Your Hands Off the Steering Wheel”
Hi Reader, One of my favorite lines from our last podcast episode no. 202, The Best Stories, is "Be stingy in sharing your own story." It was advice given to those who want to listen well to people. Who want to bless others who are sharing their joys and heartaches, and everything in...
The Best Story I've Heard in a While
Reader, Today’s episode ofYou Were Made for This contains the first interview of this season. It’s a joy-filled story of what a retired missionary widow did to bless her family and the people she and her husband ministered to for almost forty years. You’ll also hear a fascinating...
6 New Things I Want to Tell You
Reader, Good News Have you noticed that Friday the 13th falls on a Wednesday this month? Thankfully, the superstitious among us really have noting to fear. New Format If you missed last week’s episode to open Season 8 of You Were Made for This, episode 201, click here to listen in. One of the...
Season 8 of “You Were Made for This” Starts Today
Hello Reader! I’m back today to kick off Season 8 of our You Were Made for This podcast. Click here to listen to the first episode of the season, number 201. In today's show I talk about three relationship tools to remember this September. Three easy-to-remember tools or principles to get the...
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