Fixing fence is the one of the hardest jobs on a ranch. I no longer live on a ranch, but I do know what hard work is. Fences are everyone's concern, but nowadays,the "hole" is always your neighbor's side not your own. It used to be that you would respect your neighbor and mend the fence together. If their cows got in your field, a simple phone call resolved the problem. You might even saddle up your own horse and help them gather them up. We need more people who are willing to roll their sleeves up and fix the fence regardless of who your neighbor is. There are people in this country who need to be reminded that a fence is like the way you should conduct your life. Your posts should be straight and neat. The wire needs to be stretched tight and your gate might be closed, but can still be easily opened. And most of all, we can all saddle up together and ride the range, it won't matter if you have an Appaloosa, Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred. The cows still have to be gathered, fences have to be fixed, and the range is a wide open space of opportunity for us all.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Posted Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at 5:42 PM

Have you ever had a conversation with someone and get the feeling that they "hear" you, but aren't paying attention? Very few people know how to listen with more than just their ears.

A true understanding of what a person is saying involves a commitment by a unique individual who does not interrupt, judge or dismiss. My husband, David is one of those rare people who listens with both his heart and his mind. He is able to keep his own counsel and honor requests for confidentiality.

There is a sore need for real listeners in the world today. Both sides of the fence clamor to get their "wise words" in edgewise. The noise is deafening.

When was the last time you saw someone on TV listening with their hearts? It is just not possible because there are producers and executives that value ratings and drama more than compassion or empathy.

The past several weeks have distressed me greatly because of the strident tone being touted as having our "voice". We see it written in blogs, comments on published stories and radio shows and TV shows. If you can type your opinion fast enough, tact and common sense goes out the window. It is not as if someone is going to come to your door and challenge you to a duel over your words. (or will they?)

I have a friend who has listened to me rant and rave over many situations in my life. Her response is one of the most compassionate words that you will ever hear, "What can I do to help?"

It is unrealistic to expect all of us to be friends in this life. However, we can and should, make a decision that our own actions and deeds are to be above reproach, no matter what the circumstances or provocation.

We can have the beginnings of a true conversation filled with grace and dignity, if we choose to listen with our hearts and understand the words that remain unspoken by our fellowman.

Comments

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Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.

Bonnie, I agree sooo much with this post. Online people say so many things that I like to think they wouldn't say face to face. Some would, I realize, but many wouldn't.

And for sure, we should all take a moment to actually think about the consequences of our actions. Who might it hurt.... etc....

Heaven knows I've "done" somethings that are far from above reproach. And I've taken plenty of reproach. I'm sure as anything, not saying I'm perfect or anything like that. The difference between myself and some, is that I did mean what I did/said/or whatever. And I stood by it. And took what came.

I'll also say that I've NEVER written anything on these blogs, or anywhere else, for that matter, that I didn't mean whle heartedly .... and said in a way to get a point across, without being rude. EVER. I stand by that.

I wish more would bite their tongue just a bit, and wait. Then post. Edit and re edit.

I love your words! Keep 'em coming!

P.S. I'm very far behind reading...... please don't think I'm ignoring.

Jessie

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Tue, Mar 8, 2011, at 9:53 AM
Thank you. I am mulling over my next blog.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Mar 8, 2011, at 10:09 AM
I can't wait. I hope others are reading. I hope others are "thinking" of what they say, and how a good point is lost in the name calling and nastiness. Some I agree with, but I am so disgusted by the presentation, that I wish I didn't agree with. If all I see is ill thought out words of a mean hearted prattle, I just stop reading.

Brenda Fincher has it on the blogs, that "If your Grandmother would be embarrassed to read it, don't say it" or something to that affect. That is so true. I use the thought that my Mom and Dad read these blogs, so I have to watch my tongue. Though honestly, I'm kind of just that way, being raised that way. I care more than anything what my family thinks of me.... and would never want to embarrass them

keep 'em ocming!

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Tue, Mar 8, 2011, at 10:38 AM
Thank you.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Mar 8, 2011, at 2:45 PM

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