As a teacher...most of the time, let's be honest,
we like "words!" I mean we do stand up in front of kids all day and
wah wah wah! Okay, maybe it's just me...obviously I like words; I write
these wordy blog posts and expect people to read them! Each and everyday
most of us (some WAY more than others) express ourselves through words.
Sometimes words are showing compassion and concern for friends, other
times words are used to express anger or frustration, while additional words
are also used to criticize or judge someone else. Our words whether
written or spoken have a way of "touching" people in both positive
and negative ways.
The other day during third grade specials, the
class was having a hard time settling in so I said, "I appreciate those
students who are sitting quietly!" Very quickly one of my kids rebutted with, "You don't appreciate me? That's not okay!" Whoa, that is
not the message I intended to portray with my words. But in the eyes of a third grade I had told
half the class I didn't appreciate them, and his feelings were hurt.
This conversation got me talking to some teachers
about different words teachers say to students.
As the teachers and I talked about words we hear around the school and
in today’s world my heart was saddened. On
Sunday, my favorite preacher spoke about the power of words and actions. Not only are your words powerful, but they must be backed up by your actions. Interesting this came so soon after the
conversations at school. All this talk
about the power of words rings true today; not just to students but also about
students to other teachers. (This can be applied in any area of life…family, friends, coworkers.)
These words I speak (and I speak A LOT) affect
people around me. As I reflected on the power of words, I began to take more responsibility for ALL my words and actions! I decided I needed to become more aware of my
words and actions. If my actions don't say the same thing as my words, my words become null and void. What am I saying and doing that
shares God’s love? What am I saying and doing
to encourage others? What am I saying
and doing to inspire kids? I must be
careful to voice uplifting words when talking to my students and coworkers. All
people have a heart and words cut deep! All
people have a heart and most people are starving for encouragement! All people have a heart and NEED to hear about God's love! How many times are you
discouraged because you don't see anything God is doing? What if someone shared about what God was doing and lived it out through their actions? We could change lives.
Here is what I leave you with; I encourage you to be mindful of not only
your words but also your actions. Whether they act like it or not, words
sink deep into the heart and soul of children and adults. Words can also be empty promises if not backed up with loving actions. You can make or break
a day, plant a seed, seal the deal! How are you using God's gift of words to back up those actions?
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