THere has got to be a filter for that

“Think before you speak” is SUCH good advice. But, it’s really hard to follow. For me, anyway. Words are barely formed in my mind before they come spewing out of my mouth. Something I am aware of and know I need to work on, but I’ve never been quite sure how. Embarrassingly enough, a lot of times it leads to me interrupting others because my words are behind my lips just bursting to come out. It is never my intent to be malicious or to take over the conversation; I don’t understand why I can’t just ZIP IT and listen.

I’ve prayed about this, and asked God to help me. I’ve never been sure what concrete steps I can take to help me break this bad habit. How could I train my brain to actually pause before responding? As much as I would love to improve in this area, I felt like I was a lost cause.

One day recently, I was at a school event. There was a boy there who had been out of school for some time because he was sick. It was so nice to see him and his family out and about again! While another mom and I were chatting with his mother, he came over and I excitedly exclaimed that it was so good to see him, and how is he feeling??, and how has it been being back at school?? and wow did I mention it sure was good to see him feeling better?!

As mentioned, another mom was also there. She calmy stood there and when I was FINALLY done gushing over him, she leaned down a bit, smiled, and said to the boy, “It’s really good to see you.” He smiled back at her, and you could tell that her words meant a lot to him. He could hear the sincerity in her voice. She was able to say in 6 words what I had been attempting to say in 10 million words.

A lightbulb went off as I realized that God had placed me in that situation to teach me a lesson. I had been praying for help in this area but also had been thinking that I had to fix this problem alone. He had quietly and patiently waited, and when the opportunity presented itself, He showed me the answer to my prayers.

You see, every time I had been aware of my incessant talking and interrupting, the focus had been on ME. I had things to say, I had messages to relay, I needed to tell that boy how happy I was he was feeling better. And, I truly had good intentions. But seeing this other, softer approach reminded me of Jesus. He didn’t walk around chatting away to anyone who would listen. He chose His words carefully. He taught with parables or by asking questions. And those who listened could tell the sincerity and love behind the words He spoke.

Now, I can’t say I am perfect in this area. But I can say that I have definitely improved. In the mess of my constant jibber-jabber, God placed a beautiful example of how to be. A kinder, gentler way of speaking to others. I am much more aware of thinking before I speak and trying to put more heartfelt intentions into my words. Again - not perfect by any means. But, it’s definitely a start, and an area I generally hope to grow stronger in every day.

I’m truly grateful for the eye-opening experience that God placed right in front of me. There is a good chance He wanted to reach down from time to time and clamp His hand over my mouth as I went on and on….and on… But instead, in His own way and in His own time, He found a way to give the perfect answer to my prayers.

God Bless You!