Note:  this Musing contains a harsh word.  I don’t think it’s nearly as funny to exclude it so I’m taking the risk to leave it in (for the most part).

Friday evening I ran into a local Chinese restaurant to pick up our dinner.  As I entered, I passed an older couple.  The gentleman held the door open for me.

Bob was waiting for me in the truck when this same couple (well into their 70’s) came out.  The woman went one direction….the husband went the other.  As they did, the husband lovingly and kindly directed the wife by pointing to their car with no ill intent in his gesture.  The wife turned, with a glare in her eyes and said bitterly, “I know….a$#hole.”

Bob had his window down and witnessed the whole exchange.  He thought he was whispering, but apparently took too much of a deep breath and said loudly, “Wow….that was loving.”  The same cold glare was directed back at him along with the same scratchy old voice that said  “You are an a$#hole too!”  as she proceeded to the car.  After the verbal assault, Bob and the old man locked eyes. The sad old man’s expression said, “Help me!”

So much for the polite south!  Bob and I talked and laughed about this exchange the rest of the evening and the next day.  However, not even 24 hours later, I used unkind words to Bob as well.  Not quite as flowery but just as cutting.  Not to make excuses, but it had been a long day, we were both tired and I was frustrated.  I think when you are tired you don’t quite have the same control over the tongue.  I was sorry for the words but they were already out there never to be taken back.

We laugh about the older couple but we don’t know their circumstances.  Bob witnessed a 30 second exchange and it seemed harsh.  What if someone were to have witnessed my cutting remark?  Would they have the impression that we live like this all the time?

My heart’s desire is to be a Godly, loving wife to my husband. Proverbs 31:12 says, “She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”  Some days are easier than others.  After all, we are both sinners in this relationship.  And sadly, who do we take out our frustrations on but those that we love most.

I will close with these verses that speak about our tongue.  God knew we would struggle in this area so He included this in His Word:

“…..but no human being can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”    James 2:8-10 ESV

May you spend some time this day asking the Lord for help in speaking kind and encouraging words to build one another up rather than tear one another down.

Have a great day!