Word Worth!

There is great power in words. The words we choose and how we say them can be more impacting than we might sometimes be aware. Have we not all experienced saying something that stirred a response beyond what we had expected whether that be bad or good? Perhaps we ended up apologizing if the impact was not what we intended or we rejoiced that our words were more meaningful to another than we realized they would be.

Earlier this week as I was orienting another volunteer with the dishwasher at our seasonal winter shelter, I went on to describe how the "guests" were usually served the meals and where they would place their cups and dishes after eating. As I was talking with this volunteer, one of our shelter guests walked up to the counter and hearing part of the conversation said, "You mean clients." I responded, "No, 'Guests'." And he said, "That's nice." He liked the expression of rather than being considered a "client" receiving services, he was our "guest" being provided meals and a place to stay. Even on our sheet of rules the heading reads: "House Rules For Guests". And I have thanked our "guests" many times this season for their willingness to welcome me into their world as we have interacted together.

How we label and refer to others can be very impacting. Do we always keep the human element in mind as we interact? Do we acknowledge the value of every soul as we have opportunity to connect? We may never know to what extent that encounter may impact the life.

Solomon noted. . .
"(11) A WORD FITLY SPOKEN is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." ( Proverbs 25:11 ESV)

Yes, our words can be of GREAT VALUE in our connection with others. The manner in which we interact can be VERY BEAUTIFUL in how it touches another. Though Jesus was criticized for some with whom He associated ( Matthew 11:18-19), He simply responded, ". . . Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds." ( Matthew 11:19 ESV) May that be so with our actions and words. It just might be the nicest thing another has experienced today.

Have a great day IN BEAUTIFUL CONVERSATION!
Carl

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