The more I say 'yes' to the wrong things (too many committees, projects, etc.) the more I say the wrong things to the one's closest to me (No, I can't do x,y,z with you...I just don't have the time... For the fifth time, will you please listen.) Sarcasm, impatience, sighs of frustration in response to perfectly valid requests...you know the ones. The misery of my own choosing results in those around me suffering.
One of the aresa I've decided to work on is choosing my words carefully. Thinking before I speak (a trait that I often do not practice during times of stress.)
My children are learning from my actions and my words.
Our childhood minister once gave a sermon about choosing your words carefully. During the sermon, he shared a story about he and his siblings fighting as children. One of them said to the other, "Take it back!" after hurtful words were spoken. Then he said something that still resonates with me years later.
"You can't take it back."
People like to pretend that words are not powerful, but I disagree. Words have the power create enemies or friends. To heal or to scar. Everyone has memories of words spoken to them in their lifetime that have lifted them to greater heights, or brought them down.
A blessing, or a curse.
I want my words to be a blessing to those around me. It's time to practice being intentional with my words and my actions.
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Intentionality is something I work very hard on myself!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly! I really want my kids to see that in the time we spend together I am 100% there. Listening intently, answering in ways that show I am not only hearing them, but trying to understand their point of view. We can do it!
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