The Bottom Line
True listening involves not only absorbing and “taking in” the message, but having the courage and readiness to act upon it. Yisro taught us several important lessons. Firstly, he possessed an amazing gift of hearing and he was ready to sacrifice everything in order to be zoiche to become a part of Klal Yisroel. Secondly, he understood that whenever Hashem sends a person a message – directly or indirectly (like in his case) – it means that Hashem wants a person to get that message, accept it and act upon it. This coming week, I will keep my eyes and ears open for Hashem’s messages – whether they come from my spouse, my parents, my kids, my employer, my chavrusa, my Rebbi, or even a simple bystander, to first hear them, to try to understand and accept them, and then try to act upon them. And in the zechus of truly listening to Hashem’s message, IY”H, I will grow closer to Hashem, avoid more painful reminders and will merit that others will hear and accept my messages as well.
