This was Recital Week. For reference, I’ve been an instructor in Ballet 🩰 for the past 18 years. Today’s entry is short, but maybe that’s the point. The proverb promotes stillness and listening, but moreover, the idea is actually hearing rather than listening. How many times have we been busy with something, someone talks to us, repeats, to which we retort, “I’m listening!”? Multitasking is part of the hustle of modern life, but let’s contrast that to a time when you were with a friend, just you two, still, with your friend pouring their heart out to you. The moment is quiet, only one voice has the floor. You put your hand on theirs at the conclusion and say, “I hear you.” Has a different ring, doesn’t it?

Here’s the post from June 10, 2023. The featured photo was actually a gift from a dancer’s mom, who chose this over a dance theme because she knew I was trying to keep my running streak. Hearing people: it’s a vibe.

“👟 RSD 1138 ✅ (actually happened early Saturday morning—before rehearsal/recital…I have post-run watch pics, but I am sharing this gift from one of my dancers instead 💙🤍). Today’s Verse: “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” — Proverbs 18:13

Today’s verse is solid advice, whether it be with family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers. If you take the time to hear people out, a lot of the roughness of life would smooth out. 🤝☮️”