Words That Hurt, Words That Heal

I remember last Christmas with regrets. That is why I am committed to doing it different this year.

I was rushing on my self-imposed speed boat the whole month, and by the time it was December 25, I was shipwrecked. And it showed. I was depleted, made negative and nasty comments to my sister, and by the time it went through the whole (large) family, she and I were both devastated. A damper had fallen on the whole Christmas celebration because of my words.

It took a long time to get over the pain that I caused my sister and myself. By not recognizing in that moment, I had the power to hurt or heal with words, I singlehandily wreaked havoc in our lives for several months afterward. Because I had not taken the time to listen to what Christmas was saying to me.

That is another reason why I am searching for the real reason for the season; one that speaks encouragement, inspiration and hope. One that brings peace--instead of pain--to myself and others.

You never know how careless words spoken in haste can impact a life.