Day 344
Amos 1:1-3:15; Revelation 2:1-17; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 29:19-20
Pray Before You Speak
For those of us who have been parents of teenagers, we can relate to the words of the Proverbs. After all, how many of us have felt, when trying to correct our children, that we are talking to a brick wall? “I know you can hear me,” we shout but all we get in return is a blank stare. They understand, but don’t respond.
And how many of us, in our frustration with either our children, families, or friends, have said something in anger that we wish we could take back? If we’re honest with ourselves, we all have, and we usually feel awful afterward. That’s why God says there is more hope for a fool than for us when we become frustrated and lash out at someone. When we speak in haste the damage is not done just to the one with whom we quarrel, but to our very own souls.
So the next time you feel like no one is listening, and you want to shake them verbally, don’t count to ten before you speak. Pray before you speak instead and say nothing.
The Rev. Danielle Morris
The Cathedral Church of St. Luke
Orlando, FL