The Bridge

I didn’t understand many of the words. They were using technical video and sound language, and while I could guess the meanings of a few words based on context, some made no sense at all. It’s not that I needed to understand every word. I was okay with simply taking direction, but I wondered…how often do I speak in ways someone doesn’t understand?

When have you experienced a miscommunication? Why do you think miscommunications occur?

Communication isn’t about me…even when I’m the one talking. I don’t talk to hear myself. The words, inflections, facial expressions and body language are intended to communicate something with another person. If I don't consider how someone is going to understand my words, my communication isn’t effective. If I’m not communicating effectively, I’d rather not be communicating at all!

Imagine yourself standing on one side of a bridge. Someone is standing on the other side of the bridge. How far are you willing to go to meet her? Does it matter how well you know or like her?
I want to be willing to go the distance. We’re not going to be able to completely understand each other, just as we can’t stand in the exact same place on the bridge. We bring different relationships, experiences, and expectations to our communications. I want to get as close as I can. I want to see where the person is and then try to get there. I don’t want to get stuck in Me-Ville, settling on an attitude of “Why would I make extra effort when she isn’t? I’m not going to try again until she’s ready to listen to me. “I’ve done my job. It’s her turn.”

Jesus talked to people in a way they could understand. He told stories, met their needs, and walked with them. I want to be like Jesus...so others experience him through me.

Pay attention today. How are you crossing the bridge?

That is why I use these parables, for they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand…The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! – Matthew 13:13,23 (NLT)