The Last Words
THE LAST WORDS
Read Psalm 19:12-14.
“I hate you!” Julie screamed as she ran out of the house. She was glad to see the school bus coming around the corner. She climbed on quickly before her mother had a chance to call her back, but she knew she would have to answer for her words when she got home from school.
Later Julie’s anger began to go away, but she didn’t want to lose it. When she felt it weakening, she would feed it bitter thoughts. Why does she always say no? Why can’t she be like Hannah’s mother? Her mom lets her do what she wants to do.
At lunchtime Julie scowled. Thanking God for her food didn’t fit her mood, so she skipped it. Feeling guilty, she pulled her favorite sandwich from her lunch box. Tucked in the sandwich bag was a note. “Julie, I love you. Mom.” Julie felt a bit ashamed, but not too much. She’s just feeling guilty for not letting me go to Hannah’s party, she reminded herself.
By the time school was dismissed, Julie had made a long list of complaints to present to her mother. She was thinking about them when she got off the bus. Then she glanced over at the garage and saw that the door was open and the garage was empty. Mom always came home from work before Julie got home. Where was her mother now?
Julie began to panic, but then she saw her mother come around the corner and pull into the garage. Julie ran into her mother’s arms. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I love you!”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever leave home with sharp words hanging between you and your family? Do you feed those feelings of anger with bitter thoughts? Right now, make up your mind to stop. Determine to say only words you would not regret if you knew they were the last words you would ever say to that person.
TO MEMORIZE:
Too much leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Proverbs 10:19
WATCH YOUR WORDS.
From the book
