Love One Another - Wisdom according to Thumper

Good Day to All!

Steve's verse today is one that all of us should review on a regular basis - our kids would probably agree!  One of the great things about listening is that when we are listening, we can't talk.  When we are listening, we don't criticize, we don't lecture, we don't say something we will regret.  In Disney's 1942 classic, Bambi, Thumper summed it up perfectly, "If you can say nuffin nice, don't say nuffin at at." 

Interesting aside, in the movie, it is Thumper's mom who teaches that lesson to Thumper when Thumper makes a remark about Flower the skunk.  Disney had it right, we parents need to model proper behavior to our kids.  When we are slow to speak and slow to anger our kids will follow suit (eventually ).  When we are quick to anger or interrupt or don't really listen - our kids will mirror that behavior.

Additionally, when we don't listen well and are quick to lash out, the message comes across loud and clear to our kids - "what you are saying or asking has little value - I have more important things to do".  And their reaction is loud and clear, "I am going to stop talking to dad - he only criticizes and never listens to me."

Slow to speak, slow to anger but quick to listen - such wise words from James and so hard for me when Kasey and Keeley were younger.  I so regret being short tempered or too busy or disinterested - not just because I minimized something that was important or exciting or troubling to them, but more because now that they are grown up and have moved out of the house, all I want to do is talk to them - and I missed so many opportunities when they were young - ouch! 

Kids spell love T-I-M-E.  And when we are spending time with them, we need to spend as much of it as possible on their terms and in their world.  Let's listen to our kids - their voices are beautiful.  Let's not be too critical - their hearts are tender and they so desperately need our approval.  And let's remember to say something nice or say nothing at all because we love them so dearly and we want (and need) them to keep talking to us.

Have a great Friday!

Scott Mennie

LOVE ONE ANOTHER (Day 47) > > > Take it easy!

James 1:19a

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…

We all tend to react in the heat of the moment. When accused, we defend. When insulted, we insult back. When angered, we retaliate. Things seem to happen so fast, even at home, and before you know it…feelings are hurt and relationships are damaged. We feel sorry, but it’s too late to erase what has been done.

Can you hear James calling to us from the past? “Slow down!” “Take it easy!” “Hold your tongue!” If we could learn to take a breath in the heat of the moment, our families would be much better off. Give your sibling or parent or child some time to explain their actions or words. Take a minute or two to cool down and get control of your anger. Don’t be so quick to say something. Take a moment to collect your thoughts and get your emotions under control before you speak.

As a rule of thumb, after there has been some sort of conflict in your home there should be a few moments of quiet contemplation before you get to a resolution. Have a seat. Collect your thoughts. Calm your spirit. Ask thoughtful questions…and then listen. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this for the sake of your family!

APPLICATION: Discuss a recent conflict that occurred in your home. Act it out how it could have been handled by applying today’s verse. Agree as a family to take a few moments to calm down, collect your thoughts, and then listen before you speak your peace…then pray and ask the Lord for the strength to do it on a daily basis.