Saying Grace

We started fine arts camp yesterday; Scott and I have facilitated a fine arts camp at least once a summer for fourteen years.  We really enjoy connecting students with the creativity God placed in each of them.  It is exhausting and exciting... have I mentioned exhausting?

We have lots of new students this year.  One of the newly registered students lacks social skills.  Although there was nothing on his paperwork, I suspect some type of special need.  He is extremely bright and creative, but struggles to filter that which comes out of his mouth.

When I offered an example in one of my explanations, he commented, "Well, THAT wasn't funny."   I wasn't even TRYING to be funny, but it still stung a bit.

Words are amazing tools of construction and destruction.  They can both encourage a soul and crush a heart.

Later in the day, the same young man made a comment that was an "open invitation for sarcasm".  The list of biting and frankly humorous comments lined up in my head and fought for supremacy.  It took everything in me not to say something snarky, but the sting of his words was still fresh.  For the first time on history (not really, but it seems that way), I chose silence over sarcasm.

Proverbs 16:21 "The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction."

I do want to be called discerning.  I want others to think me a good teacher.  But mostly, I want my words to be so permeated by God's Word that it could be called gracious (full of grace).  No part of me is graceful (just ask anyone who has seen me dance), but my desire is for my words to communicate God's love and mercy so articulately and fluidly that they could be called gracious.

God's blessings on your week...and your words.
Amberly