Is Listening the Best Counsel I Can Give?

Surely listening carefully is a part of many of the attributes of Jesus Christ (Preach My Gospel, pages 115-126) . Definitely charity and love, patience, humility . . .

"One way to encourage diligent learning is to listen carefully when someone asks a question or makes a comment. 'Listening is an expression of love. It often requires sacrifice. When we truly listen to others, we often give up what we want to say so they can express themselves' (Teaching, No Greater Call,‍ 66)."  (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, chapter 6, emphasis added)

This quote went to my heart. I can think of many times I am so thankful that I took the time to listen. There are also times I wish I would have paid more attention to what someone was saying to me, rather than continuing on with whatever I was doing--even if what I was doing was a good thing.  I especially want to listen to those in my own home. I want to encourage diligent learning in my home. If I selfishly ignore, or only half listen, when a family member comes to talk to me, I may miss a sacred opportunity. 

How can I better listen carefully today? Tomorrow? Every Day?

The Eternal Round of Meekness and Priesthood

Today I noticed my study went especially in the direction of two important words: meekness and priesthood. I find it interesting that all of my study, 1 Nephi 3:7, listening to devotionals, and studying Teachings of President George Albert Smith seemed at first to be on three different topics but really ended up proving that God's work truly is one eternal round as they all connected perfectly:  meekness includes the quality of being willing to follow God's commandments and having faith that he will help enable us to obey--Meekness is also necessary to all who hold or wish to benefit from the power of the priesthood--the more you understand about the priesthood, the more meek and humble you become--it just keeps going in a wonderful unending circle