Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish. Proverbs 18:13.
Have you ever reached the end of your rope
and just let loose your mind and your tongue…before listening to the other
person? I have. Ugh! For me it’s one of those open mouth insert foot moments.
My Irish temper, which the Holy Spirit has mostly gotten control of, will
occasionally burst forth with a rant that even as the word pour forth from my
mouth I know I’ll regret. I’m ashamed to admit that with one of my grandsons
that happens occasionally. I’ve been praying for control of my tongue…and my
emotions—and the Holy Spirit has been good to me. I’ve seen real progress in
not losing my temper—and also not just giving in to my grandson’s demands. That
means positive growth in our relationship, too. As an adult around a strong
willed child, it is important to not only choose your battles, but to be an
example in relying on the Holy Spirit. Since my grandson already has a respect
for God it helps him to know that we need to listen to God and each other…and
it is God who has the right answers. I certainly don’t want to look foolish in
front of my grandkiddos—but when a water fight began a couple of days ago, I didn’t
let my anger get the best of me. We had a fair fight and both got a little wet.
It was OK—it was already over 70 degrees outside. What will the summer bring
when the temperature soars to over 100? We’ve already planned to have a fair
water fight again—when we’ve both got water pump guns and an ample supply of
clean water. No muddy street water in this next showdown—and no spouting off.
We’ll listen to each other. No means No and Yes means Yes. Ready, set, go!
Prayer
~ Lord Jesus, help me to listen to others around me and not to lose my temper
when my expectations aren’t met or when I’m offended. I don’t want to appear to
be a fool with angry words spewing forth from my mouth. Let me hear not only
the words of the others, but see how they feel in their heart. Let each of us speak
as You taught during Your sermon on the mount…Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,'
or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37. May
all that I do and say not bring You shame, but glory and honor.
© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)
unless otherwise noted.
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