3/12/11

quick to listen, quick to assume the worst

"For Attractive lips, speak words of kindness."
                                 -Audrey Hepburn



It happens all too often... we are having an amazing day. Everything is lovely. And then, something happens. It doesn't have to be anything big... but just something... and I open my big, fat mouth. Ugh.
Why is my first reaction to either be offended or frustrated? Why can't I slow down and think about what I am going to say? It would save so many days from going bad, so many good times from being interrupted. But no. I have to say something mean or react too quickly without knowing all of the facts. That's what happened today. We were having an amazing weekend. Last night we had a great date night, this morning I got to have a few hours to relax. We had a great afternoon all together. Then Stephen asked me a question and I overreacted and got upset. (oh, to have a rewind button!)

I really don't want to be that person. I want the words that I speak to be uplifting, pure, true and wise. I want my kids and husband to know that my initial reaction won't be one that they have to fear. I know what that is like, and I don't want that for my own family. But the mouth is one of the most difficult things in the world to control. It's the hardest battle that I fight each and every day.... and most days I lose and badly. It's pretty embarrassing. So, for all of the things that have come out of my mouth that shouldn't have: for all of the mean little jabs, the overreactions and unnecessarily raised voice, I am so sorry.

2 comments:

Melinie said...

yeah :) I know what you mean, hugs.

Christa said...

Oh my goodness. I can so relate to this! It's like you read my mind. Thankfully there's loads of grace. I wonder sometimes how John and stand to have a conversation with me. Luckily, he can and does and I'm trying really hard to apologize right away and restate my response with a different tone. I am not successful a lot of the time, but every little bit counts, right?!