Now Hear This

Is it easy for you to understand people when they have a different accent from yours?
I live in middle Tennessee. The accents around here can run thick. G's are often left off of the end of words. And sometimes, we have particular phrases that don't mean the same thing in other areas of the world.
So, when a missionary comes and speaks during worship services, like one did a few weeks ago, it's not always easy to understand him, either. After all, people in Belgium and England, while they might speak English, don't have the same accents or tones as we do here. Especially when the man from England had grown up in Scotland. He had quite the brogue!
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As the missionary started speaking, my five-year-old looked up at me and giggled. Granted, my heart was singing because I love a good Scottish accent. But for someone who hasn't heard one before, it does sound a bit silly, so my son giggled sporadically through the whole sermon. And when I asked my seven-year-old if she had understand the sermon that morning, she answered no. Even I had to listen more closely as he spoke and words came out just different enough from what I was used to that I didn't always catch them at first.
This can be frustrating and even a hindrance, if you're not careful. But, it can also be something good.
So many times, we get used to hearing things a certain way, and we simply tune out parts of it because we pretty much know what is going to be said. But when the words sound different, we can either tune it all out, or we can work to understand it.
I chose to work. Not only because I liked the sound. But because it sank in better. I had to put my focus on what was being said instead of letting my mind wander and just checking in every now and then. I don't want to be complacent in my worship, my studying, my faith. I want to be constantly working to grow and learn and stretch. Maybe I need to move to Scotland?
While that probably won't be happening, it's good to be reminded to listen better--even when the preacher speaks in the same accent I do (or at least a close approximation). And then, maybe I can supplement the normal sermons and lessons with other lessons online spoken in a different accent.
What are some ways you make sure you're listening, truly listening, when God's word is proclaimed? How do you keep from growing complacent during a worship service?