Guard my lips!

Kids are so honest!  I was teaching a lesson in a classroom this week.  All around me were first grade students. Eager to please, eager to share, wiggling, giggling, first graders. As I stood in front of them eager myself to begin the lesson, a little girl confidently tattled, "Mrs. Cobb, Shan'te said that she doesn't like you!"


What do you do with that?  The first grader in me wanted to respond back, " I don't like her either!" Fortunately, I have a little bit of self control and was able to share with this little girl and with the class that those type of comments hurt my feelings. 


Within a few minutes I was working one on one with Shan'te and I didn't notice any unpleasantness. Children move on quickly! We can learn much from them.


This experience reminded me of how careful we must be in the words that we choose to say. How often I quick to speak of things and people without considering the damage that can be done. 


I need a lock on my lips sometimes!

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Father, that my lips would utter only that which is beneficial to building others up. Thank you for using a child to remind me that my speech must reflect you and your goodness.