Proverbs 18:12-13
Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.
If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
Words. Mercy. A power to be reckoned with.
These verses remind me of the source of our words – again – our hearts. I get lazy so many times and forget the importance of the words being spoken to me being as important as what I’m preparing to return.
I forget the importance of listening.
I was reminded of this the other day. My sweet old house has a septic system. Our parish says it needs to be pumped out every two years. Well, I missed that memo somehow. I’ll spare you the details but there is a story here.
Waking up that morning, greeting the dogs and Sam the cat, I realized my voice was gone. Gravelly, it hurt to talk so I whispered. The sweet man who came to pump the tank asked me several questions about the location, etc.
“So, you have something going on with your voice”, he asked. I explained.
He turned, looking in the vicinity of the tank. “So, are you all stopped up?” he asked. I took a deep breathe through my nostrils thinking we were still talking about my crud in my head. “No, I don’t . . . ” I stopped, realizing he was talking about the septic system again. I wanted to giggle in laughter at myself – getting ahead of myself and not following the conversation close enough.
“Oh, no. Nothing going on in the pipes in the house. Just the inspection the parish is doing.” Me still laughing at myself.
This is a silly and simple illustration and of course it brought me no shame, but it reminded me that I am not always as diligent as I need to be at following the person speaking to me.
But, in all seriousness, I want to be more focused on listening.
It is way too easy to miss the nuances of the words coming at me. Sometimes. And sometimes, there is no mistaking the intent.
Cruel words hurt on so many levels. I have this visual of words being thrown at me in anger. Each word a stone aimed at my heart – and never missing its mark.
Kind words also come at my heart but wrap themselves in hugs around my heart.
The dandelion in this picture reminds me how my words, like each fluttery, blowing every which way in the wind, go out – never to return.
Will my words be stones today or will they be hugs to hearts?
A blessing or a curse?
“Lord, be with me today as I speak. Help me to focus on listening first, applying what You have taught me about the power of my words, the source of their power coming from my heart and the wisdom You give us as to how best use them. We love You, Lord. Amen”
Striving with you all,
Janet