“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 ESV
I’ve been in a tough spot recently: sleeping, but still tired; eating, but still hungry; spending time alone to try and rechange, but to no avail. Together, these factors often cause me to be short with people – another reason I’ve been spending time by myself. And my method worked. . . until it didn’t.
I’ll admit it. I had what I call with my students “a moment”. And I was instantly disappointed in myself, because I’ve been trying SO hard with being SO intentional about “being love” to people (and I teach middle school. . . no wonder I’m exhausted). But I’m human, and I had a moment. I could make a list of reasons why I acted the way I did, but those reasons don’t matter when I look at the behavioral bottom line.
I apologized, and here’s what has stuck with me: Those I apologized to were so gracious toward me. They served as examples I will remember in the future. Their “moment” was one of grace.
The takeaways from all of this?
- We will all have “moments”. . . but how often? And how do we respond?
- Apologizing is a good thing. It’s not easy (hello pride), but it’s important.
- A moment of graciousness has a big impact – something to remember the next time someone around me has their own “moment”
In what ways have you been gracious this week? In what ways have others been gracious toward you?
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 ESV
