D'oh!

Occasionally it is good to go somewhere and sit and listen
 • I went to a comedy club for Valentines and heard John Pinette and laugh just thinking about it
• I have seen the band Chicago in concert 3 times once in Milwaukee but never in Chicago and know most of the songs and have all of there CD’s and often listen to them still (I wish Peter Cetera was still singing with them)

Unfortunately there have been too many times that where I have sat great things have been spoken - too bad I wasn’t listening. Oh the many stories, wisdom, jokes, life lessons, help, and words spoken just for me.  The encouragement gained if it had been heard and applied that would have saved me from much missed out opportunities, trouble, heartache, time and cash!
• I sat at Milwaukee County Stadium for a week in the right field bleachers and missed every word Billy Graham said.
• I have sat thru over a dozen defensive driving courses
I feel often like the guy in the Bible (James 1:23-24) who after looking in the mirror and after looking at himself, walks away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

Why is that I miss out on so much, it’s not like I get any credit for just showing up for the conversation?
• Selfish
• Spoiled
• Lazy
• Don’t feel like it (apathetic)
• Prideful
• Too far off (distant)
• Too busy
• Checked out (not paying attention, distracted)

Here is a good example of the right kind of sit and listen:
Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:39-42)

Here is a humorous example of the wrong kind of sit and listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiDmMBIyfsU

May I be found in the right place, up close and not miss out and share what I have found with the world!