When we listen to a person, we take them into our lives, absorb some of their emotions, and, if we can, welcome them and all their concerns and the openness they care to show.

“Listening,” Henri Nouwen wrote, “is a form of spiritual hospitality by inviting strangers to become friends.”

We aren’t a culture of listeners, primarily talkers. It’s  easy to hate people I don’t know and have never spoken to.

Above, Zip on his throne, waiting for our morning meeting. I’m surprised at how much Zip loves the snow.