Like an old friend of mine once said, 'We were born with one mouth and two ears and we should use them in the same proportion.'

In other words, never turn down the opportunity to just shut up and listen. We never know when we might learn something, especially from someone with whom you are trying to impress.

Some call this barnyard logic. It is better known as common sense. If you want to test this theory, just go out and sit on your front porch and listen to the sounds of nature. I mean really listen. You will be surprised at what nature tells us if we only take time to listen.

As we draw closer to Christmas it is more important than ever to just sit back and listen. Listen to nature, listen to your spouse, your family. I mean really listen. At work take the time to listen to your fellow workers. Look them in the eye and really listen. You will be amazed at what you learn.

Thus ends the lesson for today. I will now just stop talking and start listening.