The homework of understanding.
I left the shopping bags near the back door the other day. I thought this was a masterstroke, a very cunning plan. The next time I went out the back door it would be a simple matter of just picking up the bags and popping them straight into the boot. What could possibly go wrong?
You can imagine my befuddlement when I got to the supermarket, opened the boot to get the shopping bags and Voila! The boot reprimanded my absentmindedness with mocking emptiness.
So I understand afresh, that it is possible to see and not “Observe”, to listen and not “Hear”, to understand and not “Comprehend”.
The forgetfulness of the shopping bags is one thing and no harm was done. However, it is quite something else in our encounters with people. We have to be incisive and frequently ask questions. Like… “Did that makes sense?” “Tell me more” “I didn’t get what you meant when you said…” So you’re saying that .. “Green eggs and ham really does have all the basic five food groups?”
If I am having a good day I remember to ask myself “What is really going on here in this chat?”
The furthering of a relationship, the sharing of a burden, venting, an act of forgiveness, an invitation. Maybe it is a combo, maybe it is something else entirely. The real answer only bubbles up much later on.