Once written or spoken, words can’t be taken back. Sometimes it’s funny, like the unfortunate road-sign giving directions to two churches… Is the lower one seething because it didn’t get top billing?
I caught myself muttering & grumbling one morning this week. Frankly, the driver in front was a complete fool- over cautious to the point of being dangerous- and I was wondering if the car had a second gear. My final straw was that the driver waited and waited for oncoming traffic; and I heard myself say quietly “Come on, you could get a TANK through that gap!”
What a silly thing to say. Let’s face it, a tank will get through ANY gap, since not much will stop 40 tons of motorised mayhem. If it doesn’t go through, it goes over. So my unkind thought and uncharitable attitude was unfair (and to be honest, uncalled for- I was being impatient).
I’m glad the other driver didn’t hear me- and hopefully couldn’t lipread in their driving mirror.
Before you say something you might regret, stop and count to ten. Repeat. Then don’t say “it” anyway. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all learnt to control our tongue?
Our words have power, for good or ill. So, from the ridiculous muttering of a frustrated driver in the school run – that’s the “ill” – to the world-shaking acceptance speech of a young girl who was “warmly invited” to be centre stage in the very first Nativity in the Christian faith. The cost to her was incredibly high; risking her reputation, her marriage prospects, and things she couldn’t even begin to manage or imagine. Advent includes the example of a young woman who uttered the most profound acceptance speech in history.
‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.
Luke 1 v38
Without Mary, the Christmas we will celebrate could not have happened. She could have said “No.” Think of all that came into being because Mary was faithful and trusting. Mary spoke up and stepped into the greatest story ever told. So when they ask what Christmas means to you, stop and think before you answer. The next words out of your mouth could shake their world!
The Reflectionary 