A Fine Art

For a few years I have been training in a very fine art. I am getting better but have not perfected it yet......and am only now starting to realize the importance of this art. You want to hear what it is? Well I am going to tell you anyway. To be blunt it is the art of keeping your mouth shut. To put it with more finesse: to know when it is appropriate to add your thoughts to a particular situation/conversation or to keep them to yourself. 

Words can be a powerful thing. They are remembered for a very long time, even if you apologize or offer to take them back. Especially if said to a person that respects and likes you. They are almost permanent. Thoughts and perspectives (especially judgements and opinions), though, change, pretty fleetingly, even when you are not expecting them too. 

Don't get me wrong there are sometimes things that need to be said, to help, for the best interest and care for others, but more often it's more important what you don't say than what you do. IMO. 

The great news is that this art reflects wonderfully on your relationships and on building those around you up. 

Anyway, that's my thoughts for the day and a few quotes ;-)

Preach the Gospel at all times and sometimes use words. 
Francis of Assisi 

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)