Oops! I Did it Again!

I don’t mean Britney Spears song that she released in 2000, though I remember it well. I don’t know why, but when I started typing this blog, that title came to me, because, well…..I did it again! Have you ever “let the cat out of the bag” or “put your foot in your mouth” or just talked too much? I MUST pray this prayer often: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3

I’ll never forget what an avid conversationalist my husband was. He spoke with great fervor in giving his best motivational pitch to anyone needing an encouraging word. And when he spoke, people listened because his words were filled with great wisdom. But, in the latter part of his days on earth, his words became few. But still, when he spoke – his words mattered. I’ll never forget the day when our daughter, his nurse, and I were around his bed. He spoke up: “I love you so much my precious darling”. I said, “Who are you talking to, Staci or me?” He said, “Both of you”! His nurse quickly said, “He’s still got it!” Not earth shaking or world changing, but a man who chose his words wisely.

Then there was the morning that he, with a big smile on his face, would open his eyes and look around the room and then close them. I thought it was time for a heart-to-heart talk – just to see what he might be thinking. I asked him, “Is God saying something to you?” No reply. Then I asked, “Do you want to quit all this, and just go see your mansion in heaven? I will be okay with whatever you want. If you want to keep trusting God for total healing, I’ll keep trusting with you. If God wants us to travel around the world giving witness to our faith and how God healed you, then I’m ready to fight on with you! So, what’s God telling you, my Love?” He opened his eyes, looked my way and with his convincing authority said, “YOU TALK TOO MUCH!!”

I laughed at his remark then and I smile today as I type this because it renews the importance of letting my two ears do more listening, while my one mouth does less speaking. Another important verse is Proverbs 21:23 “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue, keeps himself out of trouble.” I sure do want to stay out of trouble and when I speak, I sure do want my words to count as a messenger of faith, hope and joy! How about you?

Maybe you could join me in my daily prayer: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14