“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.” James 3:8-9
Slippin’ and Snippin’
In our household, I’d say the number one issue is “tone of voice.” I can count on one hand the number of times my husband has let his voice get snippy, and since there’s only one other person in the household? Well, I guess that leaves just sweet little ol’ me.
I don’t mean to do it. Really, I don’t, but I’m finding that at my age (ancient 60’s) there’s so much more to be frustrated about. Things are harder to do and take far longer than expected. Just keeping this old gal going takes a lot more effort these days. No excuse, but just sayin’.
The other day, I was in the grocery store and happened to witness a young child at the check stand having a full-blown tantrum. She was down on the floor, just wailing her curly little head off. Oh, it was a full body experience with lots of screaming and kicking thrown in for maximum effect. The checker and I exchanged knowing glances, and I nodded and said, “Been there!” She said, “Oh, yeah, I remember those times; mine are grown now.” Little did she know, I actually meant myself!
To be honest, I haven’t performed that kind of tantrum for quite some time, but when I lose patience with my husband, that’s exactly how I feel inside. I snip at him, and each time what I’m really doing is placing myself just a little on the “lofty” side of things. You know, how dare he inconvenience me! (Me, me, me! Perfect little me!) Would I say that outright? No, probably not, but deep inside I can see that as the attitude behind my grumpiness.
It’s a problem all right, but not one that isn’t common to man. James says, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). I agree with James on that; this shouldn’t be happening! I do repent and start each day anew, asking my husband’s forgiveness. Perhaps today—no snippin’! I WILL deal with it!
“Dear Jesus, oh how we need Your supernatural help to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh! Fill us anew and wash us from bad attitudes. Reveal the root cause of frustration and poor speech so we can be a blessing, building one another up in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen, thank You Jesus!”
Age does have it’s disadvantages, doesn’t it? I KNOW the way that works so much better…. if they’d only pay attention….. Father, forgive me….
Boy oh boy you hit the nail right on. Even if I don’t say anything I’m thinking it Thank you for your wisdom and prayer I’m going to pray that prayer every day
Yes, a new commitment every morning for me too. All too easy for me to appear “innocent” on the outside, but HE knows the heart. Here’s to a fresh new day and start sister!
Made both of us laugh as I couldn’t resist reading this to my husband! We are both guilty!
I’m a toddler at heart!