Oh the things you learn!

Friday's class was rather intriguing, to say the least. I mean, I have heard so many of the things we talked about before but I guess I just never really took a closer look into the different styles of listening. What it really made me think about was how I listen to God. Do I pretend to listen and nod my head in affirmation without actually taking into account what God is telling me? Or do I listen defensively and defend all of my wrongful doings that God points out to me. I guess that is just something that most people don't want to think about. There comes a time in a person's life when it is time to reevaluate whether or not you are a good listener. And I guess you could say that the time came for me after Friday's class.
I guess I really realized that I don't listen to God like I should. Part of that is due to the simple fact that I am ashamed of things that I do and that God convicts me of. No one ever wants to admit when they are doing wrong, nor do they want someone to point out to them that they are doing wrong. God is an amazing God and I just wish that I would be more open to hearing what He has to say to me instead of being so closed-minded.
Anyway, I found Friday's class more enjoyable than most classes for some reason. Usually, I feel alone in that class. There are always people that are buddied up and I always feel left out. But, on Friday I didn't feel so secluded. Tina was really nice and she talked to me, but I guess that could be due to the fact that her normal desk partner wasn't there. Ha-ha No I think she was just genuinely being nice. Our communication was great and we ended up giving a stellar performance... just kidding!


Quick side note before I close:
I went to the Sterling House Elderly Home today with S.W.A.T and it was amazingly fun! At first I was nervous but then I realized that there was nothing to be afraid of. The people that were there were happy to have people to talk to and it made me feel good when one of the ladies asked if she was going to hear from me again. Now, I know that she most likely won't remember that tomorrow because she could barely remember what we were talking about during our conversation. But, non-the-less, it made me feel good. Visiting with elderly people really opened my eyes to a whole new type of communication. The older people didn't want to hear me talk, they wanted to talk about their past and their lives when they were growing up. It astounded me how some of the older women would just flat cut me off so they could talk about their lives. And granted, it didn't upset me, it just seemed a little weird. I guess what I learned most of all by being there was that every age group has a different style of communication.
For younger children, you have to talk to them and command their attention. You have to also talk to them in a sweet tone and almost like you're talking to a person who can't understand what you're saying.
For adults, you have to talk as if they have known you forever and you must verbally communicate what you want and how you want it.
For elderly people, the communication reverts back to childish communication. It also becomes for a listening game instead of interaction. All they want to do is talk and they want you to listen.

Interesting for me to learn, and I am glad that I learned what I did.

So I am done for the day. Happy St. Patty's Day!