Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that. Don't talk dirty of silly. That kind of talk doesn't fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect. Ephesians 5:4
Before I begin this week's reflection, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Heather, who has been posting for the past few weeks. I appreciate that Heather has continued to post while I've been dragging my feet through my last month of pregnancy and chasing my 2 year old around! Instead of having a peaceful and productive two hours while he naps on Thursdays and Fridays (and weekends), I have been napping at the same time - and usually for just as long. Thank you again Heather. I hope to get back on track even though the new baby is set to arrive any day now :)
Think of the power of language - it has the ability to bring people up or tear them down in mere seconds. How do you use your words? As the reflection mentions the good Lord wants us to put our words to better service. He wants us to use our words in thanksgiving. Imagine if all the words that we used, all the times that we speak to each other the language is that of thanksgiving.
As those of you who have young children or interact with young children know, the words of adults are often repeated (at the most inopportune times). You should speak as if your two year old is always listening and would not be embarrassed if he or she repeated what you said. It's always amazing to me how my son soaks up every word that my husband and I say... and then knows just when to use those words. I am actually proud of most of the sentences that Owen repeats. For example, my husband and I often thank each or thank Owen for doing household chores. Therefore, sometimes Owen will tell us thank you for emptying the dishwasher or thank you for getting his chocolate milk. It's nice to hear him express his thanks. Other times Owen is just silly with his words, telling me "I have to pee so bad." Ironically, he's still in diapers and can do this anytime but he hears me voicing my thoughts and happily repeats them!
Take time this week to really listen to your interactions with others including your spouse and children. Your words are so powerful. Ask God to guide you as you choose the right words to express contenment, disappointment, confusion, etc. Try to use words of thanksgiving in each interaction.
Before I begin this week's reflection, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Heather, who has been posting for the past few weeks. I appreciate that Heather has continued to post while I've been dragging my feet through my last month of pregnancy and chasing my 2 year old around! Instead of having a peaceful and productive two hours while he naps on Thursdays and Fridays (and weekends), I have been napping at the same time - and usually for just as long. Thank you again Heather. I hope to get back on track even though the new baby is set to arrive any day now :)
Think of the power of language - it has the ability to bring people up or tear them down in mere seconds. How do you use your words? As the reflection mentions the good Lord wants us to put our words to better service. He wants us to use our words in thanksgiving. Imagine if all the words that we used, all the times that we speak to each other the language is that of thanksgiving.
As those of you who have young children or interact with young children know, the words of adults are often repeated (at the most inopportune times). You should speak as if your two year old is always listening and would not be embarrassed if he or she repeated what you said. It's always amazing to me how my son soaks up every word that my husband and I say... and then knows just when to use those words. I am actually proud of most of the sentences that Owen repeats. For example, my husband and I often thank each or thank Owen for doing household chores. Therefore, sometimes Owen will tell us thank you for emptying the dishwasher or thank you for getting his chocolate milk. It's nice to hear him express his thanks. Other times Owen is just silly with his words, telling me "I have to pee so bad." Ironically, he's still in diapers and can do this anytime but he hears me voicing my thoughts and happily repeats them!
Take time this week to really listen to your interactions with others including your spouse and children. Your words are so powerful. Ask God to guide you as you choose the right words to express contenment, disappointment, confusion, etc. Try to use words of thanksgiving in each interaction.
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You are welcome, Jennifer! I completely understand those last days of pregnancy...we all do! I will let you share your good news next time you get a chance to blog!
ReplyDeleteSorry, everyone, for missing the week after Memorial Day! I was busy using language such as lake and swimming! But I agree with Mother Teresa's quote that "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Like Jennifer said, we all know that little ears are always listening...Parker today said "Cowboy Baby"...like from the Kid Rock song! I don't know when he heard it, but he was all about it! We have to be so careful with what comes out of our mouths and those mouths around us (including the tv and radio).
Words give others a look at our character and the character of our children. How do people see you? You have a chance to make a great impression for God's glory...don't waste a single opportunity!