Have you ever in your life said words that were uttered in frustration??? Are there words that you wish you could take back and pretend like they were never said? I have and I was witness to an event the other day that made me think about those words and the power of them.
I was whipping through Meijer trying to get a few groceries before I headed back to the casa and I noticed a mother and her little boy who was probably 5 or so. Her cart was overloaded and as she found her way through the dairy aisle the little guy strayed away from her and got out of her sight. I was kind of keeping an eye on him to make sure he was okay while she was shopping and then she realized he had wandered into the next aisle just around the corner. She yanked his arm and said “I hope somebody does snatch you away so that you will learn what it would feel like!”. My heart broke. I so wanted to go say something but it was not my place so I said a quick prayer for the little guy and the mom. I know that she is like most of us—frazzled and overloaded—-probably weighed down by things that no one should have to endure. Her words cut through me, though, and it absolutely broke my heart.
Probably the thing that made me think even more about it was the following day I got to go see my brand new great niece—looking at her and holding her and loving on her for the afternoon was the best thing that I have done in a long time. She is perfect. I looked at her and said to Carla (mom) “How can anyone look at a baby and not know that there is a God?”. And I thought back to that frazzled mom and how somehow along the way she had lost sight of that wonderful brand newness of life. I am sure she had a lot going on. I know that we all say things in the heat of the moment that may not be the right thing to say. I know that patience runs thin. I remember being at home with 2 little ones and feeling like I was losing my mind somedays . Not that that has changed much these days! 🙂 Just don’t have the little ones to blame it on!
Words are so powerful. Once they are “out there” they can never be taken back. Words also have the power to heal. A simple “I’m sorry” can soften up the harshest words that have been spoken. I think that is why I have always loved to write —-words are powerful. They can be used for good and they can turn the tide. May all your words today be helpful words and ones that are of encouragement.
