Listening vs hearing...

We are told many things during our primary, middle, and secondary years of school. Most of which fails to "stick" or become a part of our consciousness. We will very likely say, "I've never heard that," when, in fact, we had heard it SEVERAL TIMES. What makes some of this information stick with us, while most of it goes in one ear and out the other? The answer to this mystery is timing and maturity. We will listen to something if it seems that we need the information immediately, (for today) or if it is a matter of survival. (Social survival is real, right?). Another time is when we have matured enough to listen, and I mean listen, not just to hear something. Our country is in need of some positive social change, and the most important requirement is that people listen to each other by being intentional to listen and focus our attention on what we hear.