Wise

Wise

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

THERE IS OFTEN LITTLE ROOM for my words when I am with my children. Their words, songs, and constant chatter never quit. Sunup to sundown, I am surrounded by noise and laughter, banter and sometimes fights. The days can blur together, and I have to be intentional at times to stop and listen. To take in the small moments and successes as they come.

Like when I sit in the evening and listen to my oldest son share about his recent sporting adventures and plans for taking driver’s education this summer, thoughts swirl through my mind, ready to tumble out, but instead I just sit and listen.

When it comes to communication, I’ve learned that being a wise mom means I’m always walking a fine line between having something and nothing to say. Carefully trying to measure my words, to speak truth, but not dominate my kids, and allowing room for them to be and share all of who they are with me.

I’ve been reminded lately that a wise woman builds her house (including her loved ones), but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. And if I’m honest, I have been a foolish woman at times, tearing down my own household with the things I’ve said. But even though I may have torn down my house foolishly in the past, today is a new day, and I can choose to build it back up, one brick, one conversation at a time.

It is so important that we guard our thoughts and our tongues wisely. This is most challenging when it comes to our own families. Many times we can want to come in with an answer or instruction—and although there is certainly space for that—there is also something to be said for being quiet and just listening. To hear our loved ones and respond only after we’ve allowed them to finish. Learning to be wise with our words and not foolish.

Lord, give us wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Help us to be wise and not foolish with our words. Amen.

-Kendra

One Good Step: Be intentional today to just listen to someone else without always thinking of what you are going to say next.