Dear Parish Family,
Many of us end a phone conversation with “love you.” Is this a meaningful “I love you” or a “hi – how are you” kind of comment? In our hurried world, do we speak to people in a way that if they died the next day, we would be happy with the last words we said to them? Perhaps it is time to slow down a bit and think of situations where we wished we had chosen our words more carefully and thoughtfully. We know words matter! We know the way we say things matter! I had not thought much about tone until I heard Charlie Gibson formally the ABC World News, talk about the reaction to 9/11, and how “tone” was so very important. He mentioned “how it sets the stage for the distribution of information and how we receive it...” Does it impart a sense of calm, fear, or urgency?
Love one another (John 13:38) is mentioned in the bible over 16 times. Isn’t this the prevailing message of our Lord? God is love!
Before you assume – learn the facts.
Before you judge – understand why.
Before you hurt – feel.
Before you speak – think.
Lack of boundaries invites a lack of respect. Let’s be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to one another as God has forgiven us in Christ.
Our parting words may be the most important words of someone’s life.
May our loving God bless you.
Mary Jo