Death By Lack of Communication
In my 19 years in vocational ministry I have seen far too many divorce tragedies which ultimately could be traced back to communication issues. Communication is the highway on which relationship travels. Miscommunication or under-communication hinders or derails relationship. Over time, the communication problems can build on themselves until there is little relationship left at all.
Yesterday my children conducted a funeral. There was a tragic death directly resulting from a lack of communication. The tragedy unfolded this way. A sweet little bird built its nest in the front porch light fixture at our house. We saw it and were careful never to turn the light on since the nest was built. The other night Dana and I went out for a date and forgot to tell the babysitter not to turn on the front porch light. She did, and when we arrived home, that little bird was dead.
Typically, men aren't by nature as strong of communicators as women. I submit to you today however, men, that cannot be an excuse. Relational life and death is in the balance. Communicate! Actively listen! Talk! If you stink at it, work at it. You can learn! Give the communication process significant time and energy investment. It's more important than you think to talk everything through.
As we were leaving for our date, we thought communicating with the babysitter about dinner, bed times, bathing and teeth brushing were important. It was the little front porch light issue we overlooked as unimportant that brought about the small tragedy. The same can happen in our marriages guys.
I'm sure you are working at getting better at something in your life, men: your golf game, getting in shape, becoming a better leader, something. I simply want to encourage you to make "communication" one of the chief things you actively work to get better at. There is a lot at stake.
Yesterday my children conducted a funeral. There was a tragic death directly resulting from a lack of communication. The tragedy unfolded this way. A sweet little bird built its nest in the front porch light fixture at our house. We saw it and were careful never to turn the light on since the nest was built. The other night Dana and I went out for a date and forgot to tell the babysitter not to turn on the front porch light. She did, and when we arrived home, that little bird was dead.
Typically, men aren't by nature as strong of communicators as women. I submit to you today however, men, that cannot be an excuse. Relational life and death is in the balance. Communicate! Actively listen! Talk! If you stink at it, work at it. You can learn! Give the communication process significant time and energy investment. It's more important than you think to talk everything through.
As we were leaving for our date, we thought communicating with the babysitter about dinner, bed times, bathing and teeth brushing were important. It was the little front porch light issue we overlooked as unimportant that brought about the small tragedy. The same can happen in our marriages guys.
I'm sure you are working at getting better at something in your life, men: your golf game, getting in shape, becoming a better leader, something. I simply want to encourage you to make "communication" one of the chief things you actively work to get better at. There is a lot at stake.
Thanks for the feed Tom, as I often fail to recognize the grace my wife gives me when consumed with all our responsibilities. I am a child product of divorce and certainly recognize the challenges it presents. Great reminder on the importance of communication.
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