A couple months into this new experience.  Hearing aids.

My goal was better hearing.  Being able to be more “present” in conversations instead of constantly thinking to myself “what did they say?”.

Mission accomplished.  I love them.

There has been, however, one result that I didn’t expect.  I can hear myself better. 

As it turns out, that can be a very startling thing.   Listening to myself is at times unnerving.  Like when I’m singing and a note sounds very flat or sharp.  Or when I’m talking and the tone of my voice is not at all what I thought it sounded like before hearing aids.

It can be a slap in the face.

And I think it can be a slap in the face for those listening to me.  Especially if unkind, unnecessary words are being said.

The flat/sharp singing notes, the tone of voice…that can be altered.

The unkind/unnecessary words can’t.  Nope.  Not possible.  Even if the next words are “I’m sorry for what I said”, the hearer’s ability to un-hear the words is limited.  Even if they accept the spoken apology.

Now, after all these years,  I’d like to be able to tell my mom that her advice of “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” has finally, finally sunk in.    I get it now.

The thing about our voice, our words?  It’s not limited to just the spoken stuff.  We can shut our mouths, not say a thing.  (or so I’ve heard, not really been successful at that yet.)

But then we get on Facebook and suddenly feel like the written word is okay no matter what.

It’s not.  In fact, it might have an even more powerful and/or destructive effect.  Our words can be read and re-read and re-read.  And shared by others on Facebook.  And copied and pasted to places unknown to us.  To spread like wildfire perhaps.

Is that what we want to happen?

Happy little funny thoughtful Facebook posts are refreshing.  No problem-o.

Pictures of pets and grandkids,  mountains and waterfalls?  Bring ’em on.

Insert politics?  It’s going to be divisive no matter what.

Listen to yourself.  Be nice.  Always.

May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight Oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Ps 19:14

Final thought:   In Simply B’s perfect world, when listening to Christians, you would never be able to tell who they voted for in the most recent election, or if they support a political party.  You would hear words of life from a heart of love.    Their words would point to their King.  Help us, Jesus.