A Good Word

 Proverbs 12:25  Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.
     This morning after dropping my two youngest off at playschool, I stopped by the local supermarket.  As I was getting groceries from my list, I became very tired and sore.  You see, two weeks ago I had surgery and I’m supposed to be taking it easy.  I’m not to lift anything over 10 pounds and I’m to rest.
     Undoubtedly by the time I made it to the checkout register, my pain level was apparent to the cashier.  She seemed very concerned about me and the way I looked.  She asked if I’d like some help getting my groceries to the car and I told her that would be a good idea. 
     The cashier called for someone to help me to the car and load my groceries into my car.  No one was available.  Then a manager came over and said she was the only one available to help me.  She seemed much inconvenienced to have to help me – she looked at my outward appearance only.  She had no idea what I was feeling on the inside.  She made a few remarks about being short-staffed and not enough people to do “extra”.  Complete with eye-rolling and loud sighs.  I really wanted to tell the manager right then to just forget it… that I would get my own groceries loaded.  But I was feeling too bad to do that.  I needed her help, even if it meant inconveniencing her.
     The cashier finished my transaction and then said she would be praying for me and for a speedy recovery.  The manager heard her and her demeanor changed immediately.  She realized something was wrong with me.  She became softer and kinder to me.  Then she had a pleasant conversation with me the whole way to the car.  She handled my groceries carefully and wished me well.  The whole experience ended up being lovely. 
     Both ladies gave me a good word on a day I desperately needed it.  They also relieved the anxiety that had built up because of my pain.  Their sincerity to my situation made a positive impact on me; a stranger.
     As I read news articles and publications, I see where today’s kids and teens have more stress and anxiety than ever before.  All of the reasons the experts give of “why” make perfect sense to me.  I see it in my own children.  The weight they carry is visible.  My desire is to help alleviate some of these pressures, not add to them.
     As my family reminds me, “I”, “Ginger”, “Mom” set the tone in the house every day.  They have told me if I’m in a bad mood, it puts them in a bad mood.  If I’m yelling, then they yell.  If I feel rushed, they feel rushed.  And it’s true!  My attitude sets our day.  I’ve seen it too many times to disagree.
     What is my role given this information?  To give a good word.  Simple, yet effective.  Remember?  A good word cheers a person’s heart.  Not a bunch of run-on sentences of me barking orders.  Not me ignoring everyone until I’ve had my coffee.  Not being short and impatient with my words.  But a good word!  Good morning!  You look nice today!  This is the day the Lord has made!  Thank you for helping your sister!  Thank you for packing your lunch!  I’m proud of you!  Thank you for being loyal!  All of these are good words…. Simple and effective.
     Another good word we practice daily is reading the bible in the car on the way to school.  My oldest son reads the verse of the day and then we discuss what it means to each of us.  More good words.
     Proverbs 18:21  The tongue has the power of life and death.  We can build others up and relieve anxiety and stress.  Or we can tear people down and feed their stress and anxiety.
     I’m working on this daily.  My family, bless them, are calling me out on it when I mess up.  I’ve asked them to.  We are working together to show honor, speak kinder and love unconditionally.  Join us on our journey of speaking a good word.

---