"Apples of Silver"
by Nancy Sebastian Meyer
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
My office gets cluttered when my schedule gets too full. Running from event to event, my desk becomes layered with project leftovers. My production levels decrease as I feel more and more discouraged and overwhelmed.
I’ve noticed that my mouth has the same problem. When I get too busy, too excited, too tired…I talk too much. Ironic, isn’t it, the times I shouldn’t talk are the times I often say and regret the most?
What my desk—and my mouth—need is time to regroup. While I methodically reorganize, my mind relaxes. The result is a beautiful workspace in which I feel invigorated and motivated. Likewise, I can also accomplish more with my words when I take time to deliberately place them in the right situation at the right time in the right way.
Imagine a beautiful holiday table, set with the best china and sparkling glassware. The centerpiece displays a half a dozen golden apples arranged artfully in a most unique silver bowl which shimmers in the light of a handful of small candles. How elegant—of exquisite beauty, value and artistry!
When the setting is right, performance and production are enhanced. When my desk and office are neat, I am far more motivated to accomplish great things. When I am rested and refreshed, my words carry more weight and accomplish more good.
How about you? Stop, breathe, and regroup. Maybe you need several minutes to clean up your desk, kitchen, or bedroom. Perhaps you could also consider how you might use a few choice words to encourage those around you who need some golden apples in silver settings.
Copyright © 2007 - Nancy Sebastian Meyer. All rights reserved.
To request reproduction permission, contact Nancy.
|
