A Lesson on Talking

I have had a few very interesting but very quiet friends. I am not really quiet. I like to talk, like to sing, like to make noise. Sometimes that is just what it is, noise. These friends were quiet, thoughtful, deep, and in their own way as intense as I am.

One of my friends has a soft voice, thinks out every word he says, is reflective, and very engaging when he does talk. I know that what he says if something that has taken time, it is deliberately thoughtful, and worth hearing. Sometimes I would stop talking and there would be this silence for what seemed like hours and then he would speak and I still to this day remember most of the words he ever said.

Another friend was warm, caring, a light shone through his eyes. He put people at peace around him. His faith was something that was an intrinsic part of him. He didn't use "God" language when speaking, never quoted a scripture, never used other people's words, but his simple and straightforward wisdom, spoken in slow and measured words was powerful. Again, not a person with whom I will forget their words anytime soon.

What does this teach me about myself? Why am I, being such a word-smith, loving to tell stories and anecdotes, telling jokes, etc, so impressed by those that use few words to mean as much?

I don't know if people listen to me, or if anything I say is worth remembering. Sometimes (as you can see in this blog) I use several words when fewer would make the point better. I don't like being misunderstood. I use a lot of words. I also confuse people a lot.

Perhaps these people in my life that use few words realize that they don't have the compunction to make sure people understand what they are saying. They don't have the fear of being misunderstood. Therefore, they can use few words to say much. In the process, I think that says it all.