Have you ever heard something you’ve said echoed in the mouth of your child—and cringed at the acrid flavor? Somehow the words we felt so justified in spewing forth sound much differently coming from the mouths of our babes. You can’t take back the words you’ve spoken, but you certainly can taste them more than once.
Occasionally, I’ve seen snippets from the Super Nanny shows where a family is struggling with their children and calls in the help of an “expert.” And before I cast judgement on the family and their problems, a chill runs up my spine as I think, what would it be like to watch an entire day of my life and my interactions with my kids? Of course, some days would be awesome; but then, there are “those days.”
Yet, it is “those days” that will teach my daughter most, that will shape her reactions and responses. How do I react to irritations? How do I respond when I’m called upon to sacrifice? What do I say in the moment or when the moment passes?
I have young children who make lots of noise, but most of the words spoken in my home during the day are mine. I have to ask myself at the end of each day, did I fill my house with kindness and wisdom and life? Or do the walls of my home echo from anger and impatience? As my children grow older, more of the words they speak will still, in a sense, be my own; their words will be shaped and molded by what they have heard through the years.
May I guard my mouth with wisdom and filter my words with kindness, and may I acknowledge to my daughter my own sin when I have to taste bitter words twice.
Praying for my daughter to have “A Wholesome Tongue” (Week 7 of Praying Proverbs 31).
We really do have to be careful what we say and how we say it. Children learn more what is caught than is taught! Love this post!