I was watching a show the other day about engineering mistakes and some of the consequences. There was a building that was erected on rather sketchy ground, and after a couple of earth movements, it began to shift. Over a few months, it had shifted enough that the experts were convinced it would soon fall down and cause major issues to the buildings around it. The decision was made to bring it down. It took a week to figure out how to implode it safely and a couple seconds to bring it to the ground. Had the engineers taken some time to work up the plans better, research the area better and build up the foundation even more, the building would not have failed and had to be taken down. There are numerous examples of buildings falling down due to people not taking the time to fully appreciate the situation and working on ways to build up the foundation on the way to creating something of beauty. It does take more effort in the planning stage, but the results are evident in the end.
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Eph 4:29 NLT
It takes only a moment, a slip of the tongue, to bring down a person. I have, unfortunately, been on the delivery end of some hurtful comments and, even though I have taken time to apologize for my error, my words/actions still haunt me to this day. It takes time to slow up, think about what we are about to say and rework the message to build one up rather than lash out and take the feet out from under someone. When we use foul or abusive language (hurtful remarks), it is like setting dynamite at the base of a building and letting it go off and rarely does the person who pushed the button stick around to clean up the aftermath. It does take time to think our way through a thoughtful way to build someone up and invest in them so they become all they can be. How much richer is the community when we seek ways to build each other up rather than take the lazy way out and tear down those around us?
As a person who has the legs taken out from under him on numerous occasions, I can tell you the names of every person who has taken the time to help me up, dust me off and encourage me to go forward with a new outlook and strength. To those people, I give you thanks. To the ones who did not, I forgive you completely.
As I am on sabbatical for the next three months, these articles will still be coming out because it is an opportunity for me to share what God lays on my heart. We invite you to gather with us at 10:30 a.m. to explore His love and His message for our hearts through His messenger Rev. Bob Hillock. The service will be broadcast online (see links below), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessing,
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