This past May I spent a month living with First Nations people in Fort Babine, near Smithers BC. My time there emphasized the need for listening, learning and love when it comes to human relationships.
First:
Listening does not mean you have to give an answer, it doesn’t mean the conversation has to come back to what you think, it doesn’t mean that you have to say anything. Listening with your heart is a way to show that you care about a person and that they are valued. Do unto others and you would have them do unto you.
Second:
Learning is something that we all do everyday. It is not veryday where we get to teach people. In my experience, when I get to teach someone something, it is exciting, and empowering when they learn it. Therefore, let people teach you. If you want to know something, ask someone and let them teach you.
Finally:
Love people. Loving people can look so different. From kids to elders, we all need love. The one thing that dawned on me is that we cannot love others on our own. We can love a new pair of shoes, we can love a TV show, we can love our hair. There is not enough love in us to love another human being. That is why we need God to fill us up and let him love others through us. We all need love, and because we cannot get that only from people, we need God as well.
In a fast-paced, technology centred, economic society, it is easy to brush off relationships and cover up our struggles. I challenge all of you to dive into relationships, be present with people, and don’t make everything about you. Listen to people, learn from them, and love them.