Our words can change life’s trajectory
Have you ever heard the saying, “be careful what you say, someone may be listening”? A conversation with my good friend Jann this weekend got me to thinking about this when she said, “sometimes the little things you say can change the trajectory of someone’s life”. I thought back about all my encounters over the years and it was amazing to me how many times I could point out something someone said to me, word for word, even thought it may have been many years ago. Then I thought about the impact that comment had on me and I was astounded how many times I could count when someone’s comment or act had a profound impact on where my life went.
There are many times in our lives where we speak or act without thinking. What we are often unaware of is the impact that may have on others who are the recipients of those words or actions. This is especially the case with children who tend to be particularly emotionally susceptible. While this may seem to be a burdensome responsibility, in fact there is a pretty easy rule to live by – think before you act or speak and consider the consequences of your words or actions.
I have heard from many of you that my daily writings have had a profound impact on some aspect of your life. That makes me feel good. That is exactly why I started morningswithron.com. I try never to portray that what I say should be considered right by everyone. However, my hope is that it creates a little thought provoking in your own life that helps you reevaluate or reconsider something that may be causing you angst for some reason. Or perhaps it serves a reminder of something that you already knew, which is equally beneficial.
I believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give someone is a gift, tangible or intangible that does something to nurture their soul. Often, we are all looking for that little something to get us through the day or that little piece of information that helps us with our own daily life struggles. If that is what I am doing with this daily post, then my goal has been met.
Hopefully, today’s post serves as a reminder to be a little more careful with what we say and do. What makes us feel better may not always have the same effect on someone else. Our words do matter and there is no question that someone is always listening.
Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.
Ron
morningswithron.com 
As I read this post I instantly thought of the things that have been said to me that hurt. I can still remember word for word but I probably couldn’t tell you what I had for dinner last night. Crazy and sad how the mind works sometimes. I have been guilty of not thinking before speaking. I remember one time I said a funny comment to a family member. I thought it was funny and she didn’t. I heard she was offended and I immediately called her. I expressed to her an apology for hurting her feelings. I told her it is not my character to hurt people I care about and would never want someone to feel hurt or offended by something I said. I know the feeling of carrying the burden of someone’s hurtful words. She immediately accepted my apology and we are very good friends. Some years later she commented to me about my phone call the day I made the apology. She said she was touched that I made the effort to call her but was mostly impacted by what I said. It was…”will you forgive me and how can I make it up to you.” She explained to me it was healing for her what I said. She said at times she finds herself saying the same to her husband when she has spoke without thinking. We all learn from each other. I never received an apology from who hurt me with words. However, my greatest strength is I forgave her a long time ago. As a believer, one of the greatest things we can do is to forgive others that do not ask to be forgiven. So for today this post has made me think and smile. Thank you once again for a reminder on this topic to think before speaking. It inspires me to keep growing and to try to be a better person.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for sharing!
LikeLike