“The tongue has the power of life and death, those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21(NIV)
It was my third visit on the same day for the same prescription at the same local pharmacy. I needed to get a script for my mom before I left town. This process had caused me to delay our departure by several hours, but I would feel better knowing she had her medication before I left. On my first two visits, the pharmacy required additional information. Each time I happily obliged since I really needed to get this task completed.
Then, right before heading to the pharmacy for the third time, I got an earful from everyone telling me to hurry up so we could all get on the road.
When I arrived to pick up the prescription, I received the same news as twice before. The script was still not ready. Needless to say, my response was not what I had hoped would come out of my mouth.
I gave an exaggerated exhale, looked the woman directly in the eye, and sternly said, “This is the third time I’ve been up here today and this script is still not ready. What seems to be the problem NOW?”
A woman from behind the counter in the pharmacist area matched my stern tone saying, “Don’t go and get all!” To which I quickly replied a little louder, “I’m already all!”
I’ll admit that’s one of my tamer moments.
The closer I’ve grown to God’s heart I’ve become harder to offend and more laid back about life in general, but I’m no stranger to losing my cool with people or sticking my foot in my mouth. Most of the time it’s both feet. I envision being the next gazillionaire with an invention that will surely rival sticky notes or Velcro. There will be a selection of flavors, but, for me, mint-flavored shoes.
I marvel at the diversity of the tongue. It’s important for digestion, helping us nourish our bodies by pushing food around to chew and swallow—and all those taste buds are super nice! I think we’d all agree that if eating equated solely to surviving, we’d do it whether it had any taste or not. But God is a creative and extravagant Father, so He raised an ordinary act of survival to an extra-ordinary experience by giving us the gift of taste.
Not only does the tongue aid in digestion to nourish our bodies, it also has the power to nourish the human soul. As the origin of speech, it holds the power to build up or tear down. It’s one of the smallest muscles in the human body but, hands down, is the absolute hardest muscle to keep in shape with regard to how we use it.
This tiny muscle gets a consistent workout. A daily routine that gives life involves encouraging people, speaking the truth in love, and sharing a kind word with those you interact with. It changes people’s attitudes, the atmosphere, and human hearts. The individual people you share yourself with will use the deposit you make and then turn and multiply your investment. It leaves a path behind you that starts a ripple effect.
I loved this quote by Max Lucado so much I purchased it in vinyl lettering and had it put on my dining room wall: “To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel; but to the love-starved, a word of affection can be a feast.”
In an average day, talking to people is a given, but it’s the part of us that we leave in the exchange that reveals our heart to the world, one person at a time.
Be creative, be extravagant. and be that something extra that adds beauty and flavor in your wake. In the midst of your ordinary tasks, take time to be the taste buds of life.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take what you discover and hold it up to the Light to evaluate it against who God says you are.
- Can you think of a time when you interacted with someone and they either made your day better or worse? What happened?
- Can you think of a time when you made someone’s day better or worse? What happened?
- What is your first reaction to a customer service person who is rude or unfriendly?
- What do you think of Max Lucado’s quote?
- Do you think it takes too much time or it is too difficult to make a persons day a little better?
- Name 3 things you can do today that will help to make someone’s day a little lighter/easier?
Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word.
Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s word says to encourage you and to give you an example of His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
The tongue has the power of life and death, those who love it will eat its fruit.—Proverbs 18:21(NIV)
When you read God’s word say to yourself: The way I talk to/treat others are my seeds planted each and every day. The seed I sow today will multiply and return to be as good fruit that will feed my heart and soul.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
