“Crack!”
When the bat cracks sharply against the ball, the batter takes off with full speed, and the outfielder races to intercept it. The seasoned players, in particular, do not wait to see where the ball will land; they anticipate whether it will drop deep or short the moment they hear the sound of contact, and they move instantly. Since the ball’s trajectory only becomes clear a moment later, they first rely on sound first, then lock their eyes on the exact landing spot.
Relationships work much the same way: listening comes first. Everyone carries untold stories and quiet experiences that shape their actions. When we judge based only on what we see, misunderstandings can arise, and our responses may falter. Listening bridges those gaps and paves the way for deeper understanding. By offering someone our full attention, we draw closer sooner to the truth of their heart.
The first step in nurturing meaningful relationships is simple: listen attentively. Keep listening until you reach the heart and truth within.