Good Words

While traveling down the interstate recently, I listened to one of my favorite radio teachers on Christian radio.  His introductory topic was about encouragement...about listening and responding with a good word or two that would help the other person feel better or to use his words, "make the other person's heart glad."

I liked that.  I needed to hear that.  I want to do that!

Being an empathetic person, I feel compelled to respond to a person's situation, dilemma, problem...I want to say something positive, something supportive, something helpful.  Sometimes, however, it's open mouth, insert foot.  Or it's taken wrongly.  Or not the right thing to say AT ALL.  Or too much advice.  Very discouraging, as my intentions are so good.  I feel like Paul:  I don't do (say) what I want to or I do (say) something I shouldn't have.

So, I have a new resolve to find that perfect "good word."  Perhaps it will best, meanwhile, while I learn, to say little and just listen.  Perhaps "less is more."  Maybe becoming a better listener will make me a better encourager.

So off I go on my new learning adventure:  finding good words.  I know what it feels like to be given a "good word."  I immediately feel better, more positive,  comforted, strengthened.  So I'll use that as my jumping off point:  I'll just try to feel and say what  I would want to hear if I were in that person's shoes. 

Life is hard, and we all find ourselves in difficult places.  We need encouragement, understanding, helpful words that lift our spirits and give us the will to go on, that assurance that everything will be all right.  Here's to "good words" - hearing them and speaking them.  May we find that delicate balance between just listening and knowing what to say and when to say it.  May my words, indeed, be good ones:  "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable" to God...and to the ones to whom they are spoken.