We were given Elder Bednar's book, "Power to Become" from Josh's family for Christmas (2015) and have enjoyed reading it together, most every night for the past few weeks.
One of the quotes that really stood out was as follows (page 162):
Teaching the gospel the Lord's way includes observing, listening, and discerning as prerequisites to talking. The sequence of these four interrelated processes is significant. Please note that active observing and listening precede discerning - and that observing, listening, and discerning come before speaking. Employing this pattern enables an instructor to identify and teach to the needs of learners.
As we observe, listen, and discern, we can be given "in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man" (D&C 84:85) - the truths to emphasize and the answers to give that will meet the specific needs of a particular individual or group. Only by observing, listening, and discerning can we be guided by the Spirit to say and do the things that will be most helpful to those whom we teach and serve. Parents and gospel instructors who talk without observing, listening, and discerning teach neither lessons nor people. Rather, they talk to themselves in front of learners.
Wonderful insight ! I need to put this in practice, starting in my own life, and my own family.
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