I don't get to read much during school for obvious reasons, school. I love reading though, sitting down with a book in a cozy chair or by the pool is one of my favorite things to do ever. Since I have been able to have a life for about a week now, I have finished almost two whole books! Maybe that qualifies me with not having a life, I'm not really sure at the moment, but regardless two down. One of the books I just read is called "A Way with Words" by Christin Ditchfield and I really enjoyed it!
While I was reading this book it made me think a lot about people who really encourage me by what they say to me. There are some people in my life who pour so much into me on a daily basis and I love them so much, they have helped shape me into the person I am today. One chapter of this book called 'the power of teaching' stuck out to me in particular because it talks about how we are constantly using our mouth to either teach or put down. We have older mentors in our lives who pour into us, but we don't necessarily pour that much into them per say. They are what the book calls "spiritual mothers." We have those few who are more like sisters where we pour into each other's lives, and receive from each other. Counting it as a blessing that they may have more wisdom in one area than we do and vice versa so we are able to learn. It's ironing sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). Then there are those you are called to pour into and teach, your "spiritual daughters." Teach them what He has taught you and walk with them through the stages of life where you have been. I tell you all of this because all of this pouring out and being poured into involves our words. The words that come out of our mouth are the overflow of our hearts. We have all heard that about five hundred times, but when you really think about it jabs you a little. Relationships are a gift from Christ. People to walk with you and guide you along the way if you just receive the gift He has given you that is them. Be thankful for them. Tell them you love them, tell them that you are for them, and more than anything show them His unending grace through your actions. Because in all of that your words might say one thing, but unless you truly show it in your actions those words mean nothing.
Press in and truly engage with the people around you who are seeking Him. Use your words to tell others about the joys, the struggles, and the victories of Christ in your life. Be a person that when you get to heaven the Lord can say to you "Well done good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23) The people in my life who have poured into me countless times no doubt will have such great treasures waiting in heaven for them, in my book at least that doesn't count, I know! Those of you that have to taught me letting go, the words you can do this, and you just have to trust Him are gems in my life because they have used what the Lord has taught them through trying times to teach me.
Tell those people you love them today, the next day, and then everyday after. Maybe that's a little dramatic, but when you see them or talk to them how ever often that is love them. The words that roll off our tongues can either build up or tear a person down so choose to be like Him. The One who not only told us with His own mouth countless times in His Word of how much he loved us, but in everything He did for us. He died and rose on the cross for you and me. Let's live our lives like Him and tell the world He has risen and is just as much alive today as He was hundreds of years ago. Use the words He has given you and plant the seeds of thanksgiving in the people around you. The seeds of thankfulness that the Lord would let you cross paths with that person who has helped make you the person you are right now.
This is one of my dear friends Kim and this is also one of my favorite pictures of laughter which to me is totally a way of communication. She is a mess so much of the time, but her sweet spirit and encouragement is out of the wazoo! Showing someone you love them through laughter is something so awesome to me. So use your mouth whether in laughter or in your words for Him! The things coming out of it say a lot, no kidding! "Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything." Ephesians 5:19-20
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