So here's a little thought for the day...
I was reading about kindness and came across the scripture "With a very small helm great ships driven by fierce winds are easily controlled, so with the tongue, a little member of the body, great things are boasted and great fires are kindled."
As I thought how I could apply this more in my life I started laughing. I can just imagine Nate or one of my children doing something that I see as totally inconcievable as to WHY they would think it's a good idea. Then my emotions might start driving me like fierce winds as I'm steamrolling in their direction when my tongue steers me away, immediately keeping my emotions in check. Then, according to the scripture (wink, wink), I could boast of this great thing saying, "My family member did X, Y, and Z and I responded kindly... oh yeah... that's right people..."
In other words, being a mom we will often be driven by fierce winds of emotional reactions. But we have been given the tools to control ourselves. While I'm still mastering the use of those tools, I feel comforted knowing that it is within my reach to be a better mom and wife.
I fear my tongue kindles bonfires all too often. I think I am gradually getting better at keeping my emotions, which are on a short leash to my tongue, in check. But then all of a sudden I am barking at Cesar to get off the couch and help me with our two crying children, and he barks back at me to just leave and go to relief society, he can take care of it. Of course, I am fuming, so I set Maya down (still sobbing from Rosie stepping on her) and walk out the door. I have felt burned ever since, but I am realizing I am the one who lit the fire. Accepting part of the responsibility is the hardest part for me, but keeping my words positive when my emotions are negative is also really hard for me. I will keep trying to think before I speak, and to keep those thoughts positive. I think my brain malfunctions, and sends signals straight to my mouth, without stopping at the logical reasoning on the way. :) I need to just slow it down so I don't run my mouth off. Thank you for the reminder, Emmy!!! Oh, how I need my sisters to keep me going in life.
ReplyDeleteHaha, when I first read this post I thought it was Sarah who had posted it (she told me on the phone that she had recently posted on our blog). When I read the part about watching Nate doing something inconceivable and not being able to hold her tongue, I was wondering why Sarah would single out Nate, and thought perhaps she had been teasing him about something recently :) It seriously took me about 5 minutes to figure out that the post was from Em. WOW.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this post - you all know that my tongue has a reputation for not being very well controlled. And although I have made improvements over the years, I still find myself apologizing for things I say out of frustration. It amazes me how much power just a few small words can have - both for good and bad. I have noticed times when my emotions and patience beg for me to unleash my tongue, but instead I have chosen to muster together just a few kind words. How quickly were my patience and emotions tamed, and my outlook changed! The challenge is to make those kind words a natural reaction to the emotional storms that brew inside. A work in progress. :)