While on vacation last week we came across a couple of natural springs in the yard of the cabin we stayed at. One was a gentle, slow, trickling spring. The other bubbled, gurgled and gushed. You could here it the moment you stepped out the door. These natural flowing sources of water reminded me of the importance of choosing to speak wisely.
Proverbs 10:19 says "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." I like how the New Living Translation words it. "Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!"
Too often I find myself like the bubbling, gushing spring. Words just tumble out of my mouth seeming to explode off my tongue in mere milli-seconds. My flow gets out of control and I need to turn it off. I had a bursting flow this morning. I was stressed, overbooked and I didn't guard the flow of my words. Sadly, my children received the brunt of it all. It really wasn't their fault, mommy was just pressed for time. But, I didn't heed Proverbs 13:3 "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."
Not only do I need to guard my lips around my children, but I need to control my tongue always. I despise it when I feel I have chattered on endlessly and placed the proverbial foot in my mouth. I always wish I could replay those conversations and change or lessen my words. I desire to be wise with my words to be a good role model for my children and others. I want to be more like the gentle, calming spring bringing peace and comfort with my words.
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18
Munising Falls, Munising Michigan
For more inspirational thoughts visit Celly B at Busy at Home
Understood and well put...what a spiritual vacation love those kinds the best!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully expressed, Jenn, and a good reminder for us all.
ReplyDeleteWe've all been guilty of having the words just tumble out of our mouths, I think. I know for sure I have. Good reminder...and gorgeous picture!
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful picture!
ReplyDeleteI, too, have to work on the flapping tongue thing. Blogging has helped me with that. I've become more of a typer than a talker :)
Since Madi' birth I've been saying whatever pops in my mind way more than I used to. Weird, isn't it? I too need to work on this...bad:)
ReplyDeleteSo many times I wish that I could take back the words said to my kids in haste. Now, as they are older, they refer to those times as "Mom freaking out". I don't think our children realize that we are just like them....we want and sometimes need...to stomp our foot, cry, scream. What I have found is that instead of doing it to the ones around me, I go to God. He can handle it.
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