I sat across from the table with my in-laws. Confusion flickered across their faces.
My husband and I had just finished our yearly tax appointment. With all the writing and new adventures underway in my life, our accountant had suggested we set up an “S Corp.”
We shared this with his parents as a bit of an update.
But what they heard instead was that we were setting up an “Escort.”
As in “escort service.”
We kept saying “S Corp” and they kept hearing “Escort” until finally we realized the misunderstanding and broke into giggles. Whew, what kind of daughter-in-law would encourage their son to set up an escort service? I don’t think I would have gotten Christmas gifts this year.
After we laughed so hard we cried, I thought about how what we hear versus what’s actually being said matters a lot.
A friend says, “You look pretty today.”
And we hear, “You didn’t look pretty the other days.”
Our husband innocently remarks, “Did you go shopping this afternoon?”
And we hear, “You spend too much money.”
God says, “I’m calling you to be holy.”
And we hear, “You’ll never be good enough for me.”
Truth and perception can be two totally different things. What can we do to have a hearing check?
1) Ask – Simply say, “This is what I heard. Is that what you really said?”
2) Filter – Run whatever you hear through the truth of God’s Word. Only receive what aligns with what God says.
3) Focus – A lot of times we misunderstand because we’re only half-listening. If something seems odd to you, stop and give it your full attention until you really figure it out.
4) Err on the side of Grace – Most of the time people are not trying to discourage us. If you’re not sure how someone intended a remark, give them the benefit of a doubt. Thankfully, my in-laws did that for me when they thought I was going to set up an illegal business!
5) Pray that God helps you hear with His ears – He’s the only one who can accurately perceive everything. And good news–His Spirit lives within you. Jesus promised the Spirit would “lead us into all truth.”
My in-laws are quite relieved to know that Mark and I are sticking to careers that are both legal and moral. Whew. What half-truth might you be hearing today? Could it be time to straighten it out and giggle over what you thought your heart heard?
–Holley Gerth
p.s. Fun news: All of the Heart to Heart with Holley gifts are 25% off until April first with coupon code HolleyG25 {Easter and Mother’s Day are coming!}
