Words

Words

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Before our third son was born, my husband and I and our two sons took a week’s vacation to Petoskey, Michigan. The second day of our vacation, I had a severe allergic reaction and ended up in the local hospital for three days while my husband tried to occupy Chad and Nate, then seven and five. Let’s say it was not one of our more enjoyable vacations! I felt alone, scared, and disappointed that our plans were ruined, and Jim had to play “Mr. Mom” for those days. But any troublesome experience also has lessons for good that we can take away with us, and this event was no exception.

I shared my hospital room with an elderly woman who was confused, to put it mildly. Although the curtain between our beds was drawn shut, for three days I heard a variety of nurses and doctors coming and going throughout the day and night. One thing I’ll never forget was the effect that the medical professionals’ words had on the elderly woman, confused though she was. Gentle and soft words, even when spoken firmly and directly, were able to get a whole lot more cooperation from the woman than harsh, unpleasant ones.

That principle also holds true for us as moms. In dealing with our children, choosing words and tones that are considerate and compassionate will reap better results than words that are rough and strident.

Father,

May our words be gentle and not harsh. Amen.