We just got back from Kentucky where we visited our daughter Stephanie and family. And I have to say, they have great water pressure! I grew up in a home with a well that hinted often it may leave us high and dry. Daddy frequently reminded us three girls that showers were to be short and sweet. None of that lather rinse repeat stuff. Get in. Get out, and nobody gets hurt.
We’ve lived in a lot of different homes, and water pressure is not something you take for granted. So while visiting Steph, I was happy to find that the basement shower is similar to being pressure washed. The dirt of the day is blasted off in approximately three seconds. Wow. A drop of shampoo goes a long way. Place head under shower and scalp is completely exfoliated. No wonder Jeff is bald. I think I would be too if I had stayed much longer. Wait. That didn’t come out right. I was speaking only of the pressure washing of my head. We had a GREAT visit! Annyyywayyy…
Too bad our lives aren’t cleansed so quickly. I can stay in God’s Word, day after day, and still say something hurtful. But lately I’ve realized that my tongue isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be. That could be because I’m home by myself all day and there’s not quite as much opportunity to “interact.” Or maybe it’s because I’m learning.
I know. It’s about time!
“Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” –Luke14:34,35
I heard you. You’re thinking, “What does that have to do with anything?”
Here’s the point.
Salt is good for a lot of things. But mostly we use it to make things taste good. So how about if today, we make our words tasteful and kind? The Lord has asked us to be salt and light. What if our speech was so tasty that others wanted our recipe for life?
Sometimes becoming salty just takes realizing we need to, and then being intentional about it.
And if that doesn’t work, maybe I’ll just have to go back to Kentucky, take a shower in the pressure washer, and stick my tongue out to knock some of the barbs off.
In the meantime, let’s work on this together.
“Speak the truth in love,” dear friends, or it will not be taken as the Truth.
S’more:
Ephesians4:14-32 = a great study re: our walk and talk = )
I need to work on that, too. My desire to be “witty” sometimes makes my words barbs. I appreciate your words here and will make a concerted effort to pay attention to my words today.
We’ll work on it together. Thanks for the opportunity!
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Praying for all of us with sharp tongues and quick wit today. May we bring humor and laughter without harm. Thanks for commenting!
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I needed to be reminded to speak the truth in love….I tend to get aggravated…help me to hold my tongue until I get those love words in gear.
I love you and your blogs…you are a great writer.
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Oh Lynna you know just how to say what so many of us need in such a sweet and “tasteful” way. I have been struggling with this myself especially with some things that have happened recently with my sister. Thank you for making me realize words are so hurtful, both ways. I felt justified recently in speaking very very very ugly to my sister because of the way she had treated me and spoken to me. I know that with the Christmas coming up, we all need to show the love we have in our hearts even if the receipient is untouched by it. Please pray for my sister and me, and my little sister can make a mends. My older sister has been through so much health problems that she has became very bitter and very hateful, dispiteful and just plain ole nasty.
I know when you started writing this blog you don’t realize you were embarking on a new career as a “therapist”. How much do I owe ya??
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So sorry Jane. Praying for your family. Hard to struggle with this type stuff at Christmas. Love you!
PS- I’ll float you a loan on your “therapy.” ; )
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Nancy sent me your blog post and I really enjoyed reading it. I lead the Women’s Ministry at the Lex. campus and this immediately made me think of my dad. Not that his tongue is smart or cutting-but after all of his medical issues over the past year-he is still so sweet and loves to joke with everyone. It would have been hard for me to have such a sweet & gentle spirit if I would have been through half of what he has endured. Everywhere he goes-everyone just falls in love with him because he is so lovable and funny. It just goes to show what a smile and kind words can do for a person’s health and what a blessing it is to others. Thanks for the post!
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What a wonderful man and sweet example to those around him. Love your comment and saying a prayer for your dad right now!
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