Kind Words

KIND WORDS

A devotional talking about impressions caused by our appearance or through our kind or not so kind words.

Image by freeimageslive.co.uk – DFNatureAwed

THOUGHT:  In the morning, if you are like me, there are many things to accomplish before leaving the house for work or school or just a day of fun.  So, amidst all the hubbub of preparation, we recognize one of the most important parts – “What will I wear?”  We are always hoping that we will be able to find just the right outfit that correlates with the occasion.  There are many things to consider.  Color, style, casual, dressy, and of course that all important aspect – SIZE.  This is my least favorite category but so vital to the final choice.  As distasteful a task that it is, we still hold it as an integral part of our choice.  We need it to “FIT” just right and for everyone who sees us to recognize that we took time to present ourselves with forethought.  We want people to believe in us and feel confident that we know of what we speak and to trust our instincts.  If someone is dressed in shorts and flip flops and beach shorts for a wedding, they are displaying a disrespect for this auspicious event.  If someone is dressed in a formal gown for a picnic, then they have either been cruelly misinformed or they “just don’t get it”.  So, the way we dress on any given day, can be a visual representation of “who” we are, how we behave, and what we want to display to the world.

One lady during the Halloween season was transporting a carful of scouts to a costume party.  While stopped at a light, she noticed that her husband’s vehicle was on the opposite corner, with a police car, lights flashing, arresting her husband for what she would later discover was a charge of DUI.  Of course, she stopped to speak to the officer. Forgetting that she also was dressed in costume for the party (as a bedraggled ragamuffin), she asked the officer what she needed to do.  The officer, not recalling it was Halloween, looked her up and down, at least a few times with obvious disdain.  “Who are you?” the officer asked.  “I’m his wife” she replied.  The officer replied, “NO WONDER HE DRINKS!” 

You see, what we “clothe” ourselves in, is often the first message that we convey to others.  Recently, a friend of mine shared with me an experience she had in her company.  She was involved in a gathering in which decisions were being made about the near future of their organization.  During the discussion, it was evident that opinions that were being voiced; were not all going to agree.  Yet, instead of persons clothing themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, the atmosphere was one of uncomfortableness and tension.  It wasn’t the opinions that were wrong – opinions are never wrong, not really.  They are only that – opinions.  Yet, it was the way those opinions were conveyed to others.  Instead of thinking about the right words or how it would be accepted or viewed, the words just poured outward without forethought.  Like blindly going into the closet, grabbing the first thing you touch, in the dark, without any concern as to how it will affect others.  The words were not necessarily bad or ugly, in and of themselves, but not chosen with deference to feelings or ramifications.  Like choosing jeans and a T-shirt for a job interview.  Although it may not be the end of the world, the impression lingers.  Poorly chosen words can linger also.  So maybe a better choice would be to take a moment, like picking out clothes in a closet, and make choices that are “clothed” with a kind word, a well thought out phrase, and an intention of compassion, even if opinions differ.  The good choices linger too.  The receiver of our words recognizes the planned and “patient” words and welcomes them.   The kind words, even if there is a difference in opinions, quietly settle in their hearts and spirits.  When we are clothed in the outfit of compassion, we can never make the wrong choice.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your patience with us.  Thank you for the words of The Holy Bible.  In that Bible, we learn how compassionate and gentle Jesus was with each person.  Thank You Jesus for Your Words of healing and understanding.  Even on the cross, You forgave us for our choices, our sins, and quietly, just before your human death, prayed to the Father – “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  Clothe us with Your compassion, Your gentleness, and Your kindness.  We love You.  AMEN.