Devotional for SUNDAY, 3.20.16 “How Good Is A Word At the Right Time”

appropriate response
 
by Dona Hake
 
I found this story on social media yesterday, and I found it to be sweet and it had a wonderful moral behind it.   Whether the story is true or not, I do not know but I think you too will find it to bless your heart.  Here is the story…
 
 
 
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One evening my mom made dinner after a hard day’s work. She placed the jam and a plate with completely burnt toast in front of my father. I noticed the burnt toast immediately, but I was waiting to see if my father would notice it too. My father, however, started to eat the toast and ask me about my day. I don’t remember anymore what  I answered, but shortly thereafter my mother apologized about the burnt toast.  I will never forget, what my father said. He said, “Darling, I love burnt toast!” When I went to bed later, I ask him if he really likes burnt toast? He hugged me and whispered: “Your mother had a very demanding day today, she is tired and burnt toast won’t hurt anybody, but words can be very painful.   Life is full of perfect things and faulty people… to except these mistakes and appreciate the differences, this is the key to a healthy and long – lasting relationship.”

 
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I would have to say the thing that I took away from this story is there will be times in which we are called upon to be more cautious with our words and responses.   Yes, I am stickler with believing that one should be honest, but sometimes the Lord may direct us to be more sensitive especially if
you can see someone may be having a rough day.   I have found that many times the Lord will call upon me to be slow to speak in particular situations or just be silent.  Sometimes silence truly is golden.
 
 
 
Another thing I found so sweet was how this father was being an example to his daughter as he showed love and encouragement to her mother in a time in which she really needed it.    Our children watch us closely and we may be surprised at the memories of our words and actions that they may keep in their hearts and minds for the rest of their lives.  May we seek to grow in God’s unconditional love.   Let us look past the faults of others especially those that we love so dearly, and learn to appreciate who they are and the gift they are!
 
 

 

 

Proverbs 15:23 Common English Bible
“To give an appropriate answer is a joy;

how good is a word at the right time!”