You may have heard me say that Donald Trump has dominated the news and conversation every day since the middle of June 2016. We are now at the end of August 2018. Even with the recent death of Senator John McCain, 45 dominated that conversation by remaining silent. How ironic is that? I heard Charles Stanley say something about elevating the level of our conversation some years ago. Recently, I read something similar in a book I'm reading, "Didn't See It Coming" by Carey Nieuwhof. The book will launch September 4, 2018. You can pre-order a copy at https://careynieuwhof.com/didnt-see-it-coming/. I'm on the launch team and have an advanced, uncorrected proof, copy.
In the book, Nieuwhof talks about elevating the level of conversation. I know we have needed to do that for a long time. Talking about people is not always positive and up lifting. Talking about events is not always inspirational.
Here is and excerpt from the book, "... several other things will happen when you elevate the level of conversation with the people around you. First, you'll genuinely learn about how others are, which will foster a meaningful connection with them. Second, people are starved for real conversation. You'll discover that your relationships become far more life giving. Third, you'll soon move beyond the "How are you?" kind of conversation and start talking about deeper things. You'll move beyond people and events and start to have life-giving conversations about ideas, possibilities, truth, dreams, hopes, and ambitions. Your level of thinking will elevate. Finally, you may even find yourself being sought after as a friend, confidant, or mentor. The skill of meaningful conversation is so rare these days that when people find it, it's like they've discovered treasurer, which, of course, they have."
My goal is to not mention 45 at all; not even as 45. Children in America who are just learning how to talk will have "Trump" as part of their vocabulary, just because that name is repeated so often. Children don't listen to us when we talk to them. They listen to us when we talk to others. We have the option of choosing our conversation.
The next time someone asks, "Did you hear what T---- tweeted last night?", elevate the level of the conversation. Peace <><
I am the author of GIVING TIME: Dramatically Improve Church and Personal Finances and Raise the Level of Generosity. Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, my website or your favorite bookseller.
