The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Over the years, I’ve learned not simply to think less of myself but to think about myself less. When I’m thinking most about Jesus, I’m most happy.
In the space of five short months, a very good friend had to choose how to react to the bittersweet news that two of her adult sons and their wives and twelve grandchildren were moving states away. During that time of transition both sons and their families lived with my friend and her husband. She recalls it being wonderful and heartbreaking all at the same time.
It would be have so easy to give in to sadness and grief having both sons moving so far away. But my friend took a very path as she worked through her motherly emotions. Instead of getting up each morning and checking off one day closer to their move date, she decided to invest herself, her love, and her words in the short time they were still living with them.
Love others with your words
My friend got on her smart phone and downloaded a bible study app. She took the time to search out bible studies that would be of interest to her grandchildren near and far. After selecting an age appropriate study, she invited each of grandchildren to join her in the study and together they would work through the lessons and share their comments, questions, or concerns.
Amazingly, most of her grands opted in. She was absolutely delighted. Together, they would read a passage of scripture, work through the comments and supportive materials, and then answers the questions. What was truly thrilling was how each grandchild would jumpstart their own specific questions and thoughts about the text.
Each word shared amongst them was discussed and prayed over too. My friend shared how blessed she was to have taken part in these bible studies with her precious grands. And now that they have established this bible study method together, they can continue to participate in more studies together – both near and far.
Near and far
My friend wisely recognized that her sons’ move was going to affect them all deeply. She knew emotions would be running high. So she decided to be proactive with her inner heart attitude by speaking forth grace-filled words of gratitude about all the good God was doing in their lives – both near and far. And her intentionality about thinking less about herself and more about Jesus was contagious. Indeed it was. Her family would testify to the power of a thankful heart which praises God for his day by day perfect provision.
How we choose to respond to life’s unexpected, unwanted, and perhaps even heartbreaking situations speaks volumes. Literally. We make an intentional choose each and every time we speak about something (good or bad). And our words have power. As my friend discovered early on, if she had allowed herself to wallow in sadness and grief and had become paralyzed by her sorrow, she would have missed the eternally-impactful opportunity afforded her.
Our words can bring life
Our words matter. Our words speak out what we believe, what we think, and how we feel. So learning to speak truth, to give praise, to offer thanks, and to rejoice in all that God has done and is doing…matters. Our words either deflate our listener or encourage their hearts. Our words either build their faith or they breed doubt. Our words will either magnify our Lord or cause others to blame him. Our words matter.
Forget about ourselves
My friend also understood another key element to using her words wisely. She learned to think of herself less often and think more about Jesus. And the wonderful result? Happiness from deep within began to permeate her heart and soul. Yes, even in the midst of personal sadness, grief, or sorrow, we can choose our words wisely and thereby watch how our attitudes and emotions follow. Our words matter.
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