Listen to Learn

Here's good counsel to receive instruction
So you're found wise and safe from destruction
Surely, there's wisdom which comes from our neighbors,
Children, parents, leaders, as well as our Savior
Are we eager to listen, when marked by distress?
Or when there are trials we need to address?

When others express anguish, do we listen?
With both ears? Do we have time to fit them in?
When someone has trauma they speak openly
Do we interrupt and behave shockingly?
We can try to understand others distressed feelings
So we're not ignoring, harming, or pretending!

As when young people are lonely or troubled
Their need for us to listen is doubled
When they are ranting like a frenzied beast
Seemingly to deserve favor the least
The wise listener learns well from these children
That there's a reaching of hearts and soothing of mayhem

The husband and wife communicate best- together
As they try to learn from one- another
Talking time is prime for love and commitment
For weeds too oft choke out fruits requirement
Then when the garden is well cultivated
A marriage is proven, sweet, and dedicated

When we listen, it promotes tolerance
We learn one's true intent and sentiments
Even if the persuasions are diverse
We can be polite when ere we converse
We learn to listen and listen to learn
Truly this is how the spirit discerns

In our day the prophet is far reaching
And we must turn our ears to his teachings
He offers wisdom... how life is best enjoyed
Those who ignore will one day be destroyed
When we incline our ears, we listen
And.... we can see with them... the vision

We need to listen... to hearken, and obey
This is true, ever, when we read, ponder, or pray
We feel inspired, we speak and then we wait
To understand the answer which comes but by faith
We lend an ear unto counsel, with covenants and laws kept
Line upon line, we then hear our Father's own precepts

Russell M. Nelson
Listen to Learn
Ensign, May 1991, 22