Every morning one of our cats meets me at my bedroom door with a loud, “Mmmrroww!” Now I would like to think that means, “Good morning!”, but I think she’s actually saying, “It’s about time you got up! Feed me!” That kind of greeting leaves me wishing I hadn’t opened the door and had stayed in bed.
I kind of felt like that yesterday afternoon. It had been another busy day and when I went in to see the next patient, the first words out of their mouth were, “I’ve been waiting for over an hour!” I almost turned around and walked away, but I took a deep breath and sat down to listen. The patient then proceeded to give me a several minute lecture on professionalism and courtesy and several other areas and my staff were coming up short. It was not a pleasant start to the visit, to say the least.
I was tempted to respond in kind, telling the patient about the 5 other patients waiting to be seen and detailing how my day had gone so far, but then I remembered Solomon’s counsel that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 NLT). I swallowed my pride and quietly apologized for the wait, promised to try to do better, and asked, “So, what brings you in today?” The rest of the visit went well and the patient left seemingly satisfied with our plan of treatment.
Afterward I got thinking about this and realized what people (or cats) say and how they say it can set the tone, for better or worse, for another person’s day. Words are powerful things. They can build someone up or tear them down in seconds. I guess that’s why Paul told us to “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT).
Today, as you deal with people, even those that aren’t especially pleasant to be around, watch your words. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6 NIV). Your words (and how you say them) can make or break someone else’s day, so choose them wisely, with God’s help.
God bless and have a pleasant day!
Excellent council I will try to ALWAYS REMEMBER it!