conversation skills

Manage or be Managed-Grandkids or Conversation?

~ Bev Parker ~ Leave a comment

In contemplating the aggravation and utter waste of time the Net can be, I am exercising my right to “Just say No” to cat videos, political videos, funny yard signs, all things celebrity, and anything else wholly unconnected with my peace and wellbeing. I will no longer submit myself to the tyranny of people sticking their phones, uninvited, into my face and insisting I watch this or that thing that will surely enhance my life.

This because I have found myself doing the same thing of late. Aaarrrgh! I have fallen into the habits of those around me. The next thing you know I will be showing pictures of my daughter’s dog to strangers on the street because well, everyone loves to talk about dogs, right?

So, in an effort to actually have something of value to talk about, should an occasion for real connection arise, I will stop being programmed and managed by whatever stuff comes my way, and I will manage my life, my time, my brain, my heart.

I am so looking forward to implementing this via saying to all and sundry, “I am taking an electronic vacation, so don’t expect me to be reading e-mails, or to watch anything at all on your phone, or know what’s going on in the political world. I am going to do this through the holidays, and if I need to tweak it (taking my cell to town so husband can reach me and remind me to get celery for the dressing or some such) I will.” I will be steering this recalcitrant electronic boat, not be taken willy nilly whereever the e-tides may take me.

The Bible tells us to guard our hearts will all diligence. I see this as guarding my heart.

The Art of Conversation Creates Art

~ Bev Parker ~ Leave a comment

It was a lovely morning yesterday. Seth and I tried a new LaVazza variety (falling off the wagon a bit on this aspect of Zero For Six-ing, but more on that later) on the balcony. We likened the rustling of the Aspen leaves to the feel of clean cotton sheets, the breezes in the pines and the birdsong to music.

The conversation went and wound its way here and there, and somewhere in there I had a fantastic idea–a doable, practical example of how to remind our government that indeed, they work for us. I won’t go into the particulars of the idea, because I want to talk about the power of conversation.

We’re meant to have it, and it’s meant to produce ideas, solutions, revelations. It’s meant to connect hearts and minds and put us in the creativity zone. So, if our conversations aren’t producing this magical marvel, especially when we’re talking with our adult children, we can examine ourselves.

Do we listen carefully and thoughtfully? Do we interrupt? Do we have to be right? Are we taking a parental role when our family members are not asking for that? Just as we’re extra polite and considerate in our conversations with non-family folks, are we also with our beloveds? Do we remember that sometimes hearts simply want to be heard–not to hear our opinion?

When we don’t know the answer do we simply say, “I don’t know, but I will pray for wisdom, and I will pray for you to have wisdom, and all will be well”?

It’s helpful to remember that those who talk the most and loudest are often drowning out the words of those with the deepest and best thoughts. Just in case you’re like me, and maybe are a bit chatty, it could be time to put some art into our conversation.