There are many life lessons you can learn going into people's homes. Sure, I was there to talk about heating and cooling their home in the most efficient way, but one couldn't help being impressed with how people act, speak, and live.
One older fellow wanted to tell me how he felt about an issue. I can't remember the issue, perhaps it was politics, religion, or his concept of how air conditioning worked. Whatever it was, he was very slow expressing himself. It took him, what seemed like forever, to finish a sentence. I did what I often did ... I finished his sentences for him! It was obvious to me what he was trying to say, so I figured I was helping him! After several of these "helpful" sentence completions he looked me in the eye and said, "Son, I know your mind is thinking twice as fast as mine. I understand that you think you know what I want to say. However, if you would stop finishing my sentences and let me tell you what's on my mind I will feel better about our communication." My face turned red, not with anger, but with embarrassment! I summoned every ounce of self-discipline I had and sat quietly as he told his story ... finishing his own sentences!
Let people talk! Listen to them! I now try to practice this principle (though I fail miserable from time to time). I don't remember if the gentleman purchased a unit or not, but the lesson I learned from him was more valuable to me than money! James said in James 1:19 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, ..." I should have listened to James!
One older fellow wanted to tell me how he felt about an issue. I can't remember the issue, perhaps it was politics, religion, or his concept of how air conditioning worked. Whatever it was, he was very slow expressing himself. It took him, what seemed like forever, to finish a sentence. I did what I often did ... I finished his sentences for him! It was obvious to me what he was trying to say, so I figured I was helping him! After several of these "helpful" sentence completions he looked me in the eye and said, "Son, I know your mind is thinking twice as fast as mine. I understand that you think you know what I want to say. However, if you would stop finishing my sentences and let me tell you what's on my mind I will feel better about our communication." My face turned red, not with anger, but with embarrassment! I summoned every ounce of self-discipline I had and sat quietly as he told his story ... finishing his own sentences!
Let people talk! Listen to them! I now try to practice this principle (though I fail miserable from time to time). I don't remember if the gentleman purchased a unit or not, but the lesson I learned from him was more valuable to me than money! James said in James 1:19 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, ..." I should have listened to James!