There have been ups and downs this week. It could have been made better if I had kept my mouth shut. But alas, I did not and something slipped out that came out wrong, was interpreted in an even worse way and resulted in offence. I know that to cause offence the other has to ‘take it.’ This person did. While I offended her and apologised immediately, she was having none of it. She took it, ran with it, splashed it all over the place and labelled me with a variety of colourful terms.
I learned from the error of my ways. Very quickly.
The words we speak hold the power to break down or build up.
Choose carefully.
From introvertspring.com
“Where have you been all these years?”
A short sentence. A simple questions. 7 words. Yet 35 years later I remember them exactly and I remember who spoke them. Miss Daly. She was my Matric English teacher and our paths had not crossed at all in the 3 years I had been at the school. In my 4th year, she became my English teacher and early in the first term, she needed help in doing something. I happily offered and worked alongside her in moving some stuff and rearranging some school materials. There were a number of trips back and forth to a storeroom and on one of them, she said, “Where have you been all these years?” She hadn’t noticed me. I had gone under the radar – I was absolutely not important – not recognised for any particular talent or strength – not one of the in crowd – not a top achiever – I was very ordinary and as such was hidden from view. Miss Daly suddenly saw something – a cheerful attitude – a willingness to help – confident conversation – a nice student who had never stood out from the crowd – “where have you been all these years?”
I smiled. And after school, I smiled to myself. I was encouraged. I was noticed. Miss Daly saw something in me that she liked!
The power of those 7 words – remarkable. They were words that built up.
Miss Daly. My favourite English teacher!
I need to take a page out of her book. I too can encourage – be careful what I say. Say words that build up. Avoid negative phrases. Everyone has potential. Build up.
Mark 9:50
Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”
Salt from superfoodlab.com
Good reminder.
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂