Here I am again in another place where the Father can teach me some new things to help me grow up.
This round it is learning to be quiet and listen, not just to Him, but all around.
I am learning to choose my battles wisely and get off the defense. It is not that we are not to defend and stand up for what is right when that is called for, no this is something quite different.
What I am talking about is always being on the defense about my views, my right to be right or just to have the last word.
I have always had a problem with becoming defensive when someone said something I did not agree with or when I felt a personal slight. In a nut shell I guess you can say I had the proverbial chip on my shoulder on occasions. Can you believe that! : )
In any case I am learning how to shut up! What a concept! But you know something? Less can really be more and in the world of words sometimes the less you say the bigger the statement. I am learning that sometimes talking can just be noise and when our own voices crowds out others it usually is noise.
Now I am not saying I have achieved this 100% however; I am starting to see a huge improvement in me and I am also starting to see into the hearts and minds of others in a much clearer way. It is not to judge them but to judge me. A barometer I guess I should say into why some words upset me and trigger responses and other word fly right over me. I am starting to see a lot about how I think and believe and why. I am starting to become accountable for my own words and actions in a much sharper way. I am starting to understand how our words can really hurt and destroy people or help, encourage and heal them.
Words are not just words.... words have power to hurt or heal. And listening is a skill we all need to cultivate.
So that is all I have to say for now.
Love & prayers,
Judy
3 comments:
Judy,
Oh my...this is something I also struggle with currently. I tend to get myself in trouble at home with my 'defensive' tongue.
Thanks for sharing this - and praying that both of us overcome this!
Blessings!
Lee
Love You sister, how is the garden planning coming?
i had to learn this lesson as well, and continue to and i have found it is amazing what God will say to us when we choose silence. Words become so much more important and punctual, deep and profound exactly as you describe and we do learn about ourselves and have to stuff our pride in silence. Many just will not hear what we have to say but God allows the one with open ears to be brought into our paths to share what needs to be said and heard.
i don't like corny sayings regarding spirituality but this one reminds me daily to do twice as much listening as i do talking. God gave us two ears and one mouth. Use appropriately.
Love You and i wish we were closer so we could homestead together.
Your Friend always which is my blessing.
~ antbrother
Sorry I am so slow on replying...I get these in my inbox but can not reply from there and it usually a while before I get back to my blog to respond..anyway I love you my brothers and who knows maybe we can homestead yet!! :)
Learning to quiet our tongues is a wonderful thing when we can manage it... :) all things takes time..
Much love,
Judy
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