Elephant Ears

Bergenia is a bright magenta-coloured flower, better known as elephant’s ears on account of its leaves. They are large and rounded, and the flowers grow on stems not unlike rhubarb. Despite its name, plants can hear nothing, but the ears of that great mammal are playfully recalled by its foliage.

Listening is a skill. Whereas many can hear sounds, the ability to listen purposefully and deliberately to what someone says is an important function of a reasonable human being. Too many people merely use the time when another speaks to formulate their next argument or rehearse their response. To listen is to bestow both dignity and respect to the speaker. Our God both makes a point of listening, but also expects to be listened to:

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer 1 Peter 3:12.

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 (ESV)