RELATIONSHIPS: 1

Before you criticize someone you should walk a mile in their shoes.   -   Then they won't have their shoes on, and you will be a mile away.

When I was a child we used this old saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never … ” actually, they can cause even greater damage! The human body has an amazing ability to repair physical damage. Breaks and bruises will heal. On the other hand, the mind has an amazing ability to hold on to a hurt for an incredibly long time and to continue to be damaged by it all that time.

We don't live like we realize the power that words have. We speak, and we forget what we said and we go on. It really didn't mean much when we said it, but what damage have we left behind? Jesus warned that we will be held accountable for every casual word we speak. Isn't that a scary thought?

When we think about the power of words we determine that we will be more careful not to speak so harshly to others. Now let's turn the thinking around. How much have we been hurt by what others have said? How much of our lives are spent trying to live down or prove false or fulfill the prophecy of something someone once said to or about us? I was once told I was unfit to become a pastor. A very special friend told me to consider the source and take it as a compliment. That helped me realize I would never want to be such a pastor as he was.

Words can hurt us. Our words can hurt others. Words can also heal. “The right word at the right time is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” The metaphor from Hebrew thought loses something when we read it now, but it still gets the point across about the value of words. Sometimes the right word of encouragement or blessing or thanksgiving can be a real boost to someone's day. Why don't we try it with a family member, or a friend, or even a total stranger. I wonder what will happen.

Think about it.

Come back soon.

MANGLED METAPHORS: 1

We'll burn that bridge when we get ready to cross it.

Actually this is an example of what's referred to as a mixed metaphor, but when I get through with them, they are not just mixed; they are mangled! Bridges: we talk about burning them behind us or crossing them when we get to them. Let's have a little fun and combine the two ideas. What do we get? Reality!

Isn't this how we often face life? We work hard to get to the place where we can make a drastic change in our life: start a new job, quit a bad habit, make a change in a relationship, start to follow a dream. Then as we are just on the verge of making that change, we sabotage the whole thing. We burn the last bridge we have to cross. We cast the die and drown our army in the Rubicon. (oops! was that another one?)

Why do we do this? Each of must answer that question alone, I can't speak for you, nor can you tell me why I react this way, but doesn't it really come down to a lack of trust in God? Maybe just thinking about it now will help me think about it later. When I am striking a match at the end of a bridge, I will try to remember to ask myself if I have crossed it yet.

Think about it.

Come back soon.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN: 1

Never pass up an opportunity to shut up.

What's so funny? One aspect of humor is the verbal leading of a thought in one direction with a sudden change of direction for the end. Here we are led towards some useful bit of advice: an opportunity to watch for, something we can do that will bring great improvement in our lives. What do we get? Advice to shut up! Yes, we laugh. We laugh because our thoughts were directed in a surprising direction. It's like the sudden sharp hidden turn in the roller coaster track. Some folks like that and just scream with laughter.  Others just scream!

What is the truth? We talk too much. We think the thought that just came into our head is so important or so necessary or so entertaining that we must speak it right now. Oh, Really? What would happen if we just jumped on this opportunity to shut up? Would the world really be in worse shape if we don't say anything? The book of James tells us to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. Sounds like good advice.

Think about it.

Come back soon

“When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth.” George Bernard Shaw

What are you laughing at? I enjoy laughter, and I enjoy giving other people something to laugh about. I also enjoy teaching. I am old enough now to have come across a few little bits of wisdom that might be of use to someone else. I want to get these written down before I forget them. That way when I do forget them I can look them up and enjoy them all over again.

Sometimes the truth hurts. We would really rather not think about it; at least not now.When we are exposed to a truth through the medium of laughter we tend to take it in more easily. Like “The chocolate coating makes it go down better” on the miracle pill made by Miracle Max in “Princess Bride,” a little humor helps the truth slide into our lives a little more easily.

Jesus was the greatest teacher ever. He wasn't afraid to use humor: “Remove the beam from your own eye then you can remove the splinter from your neighbor's eye.” “It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle ...”

So, enjoy the humor. Remember the laughter, but don't forget to think about it. And just maybe we will grow in the truth a little bit more today.

Thanks for reading.

Come back real soon.

The Old Preacher