Saturday, December 29, 2012

Was It Something I Said?

          Someone recently told me that I have a way with words.  That could be taken in so many ways!  Do you know how many times I have opened my mouth and stupid has fallen out on the floor?  It dribbles down my dress and leaves a stain there and an unsightly puddle and, sometimes, even after my mouth is too-late-sealed, people are stepping around the puddle--at least it seems that way to me!
           I know you want an example.  Okay. The other day I was at my granddaughter Emma's soccer game.  She made a rather spectacular goal and I cheered somewhat loudly and called out her name exuberantly--maybe more than once.  Someone nearby commented that none of the other players on the field were receiving quite as much attention from the stands as Emma.  I clarified that I was her grandmother and added that if the other players needed similar encouragement their grandmothers should have come.  A nearby fan said, "I'm sure they'd like to be here if they could."
          I felt thoroughly chastised.  I immediately pictured elderly, perhaps bedridden, women at home pining in solitude, and longing to be cheering at this game, all the while waiting for news of how their precious grandaughter's team had fared today.  I pictured forlorn hearts within the athletes on the field suffering because of the absence of their beloved grannies.  I watched the game for a few more minutes sensing the silent scorn of the fan behind me who had bravely put me in my place.  I couldn't stand it any longer.
          I turned in my seat and got her attention.  "Um, I was only jesting when I said the other grandmothers should have come," I offered.  She responded that she knew that when she made her comment and waws only teasing herself.
          Well, that turned out better than it might have.  Communication is just such a tricky thing!  I mean well.  I especially err when some thought strikes me as funny--it will often just slip right out of my mouth and surprise even  me!  Sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's a miss.  I'm pretty good at apologies.

We all stumble in many ways.  If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man....
James 3:2

         








































 I offered."  She acknowledged that she knew that, and said her reply had been a joke, too.  Sadly, I had missed the humor.
          Well, that turned out better than some encounters!  I can't count the times I've regretted something I've said, lost sleep, questioned how it had been received, wished I could take it back, argued with myself about an apology wondering if it might be best just not to call attention to it again.  I have even appealed to Ron (who has, without exception, declined to get involved) to offer an explanation on my behalf.
          Who can tame the tongue?  Goodness knows, I try!  How very much I long to be flawless and gracious in every word I speak.

We all stumble in many ways.  Any one who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check.  (James 3:2)

          I'm just not humble enough today to tell you my failures in keeping my whole body in check!  But I want to assure you that I aspire to "only speak what it helpful for building others up according to their needs." (Ephesians 4:29).  I feel another New Years' resolution coming on....

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for sharing this. I too hats when I "put my feet in my mouth " so to speak. At least God is merciful to us and is ready and willing to forgive us even if when we find it hard to forgive ourselves.

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