Less Is More

Brevity. Some things are better left unsaid. Sometimes less is more.

I'm not generally know for being short-winded. That's funny! For so much of my life I was fearful of speaking in front of people. Now I'm working on saying more by talking less.

When my wife and I started working with 4th and 5th grade (almost 10 years ago!), one of the 5th graders oft reminded us of his favorite verse: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). No, he wasn't sadistic! And he didn't dislike Jesus!!! He just liked to get to the point. No reason to complicate or dilute things with excessive words!

Jesus was like this, too. I remember my pastor saying that God says a lot with very few words. He added (with affection and a knowing smile, by the way) that pastors often use a whole lot of words to say a little. Jesus used simple examples and everyday language. He knew when to start and when to stop. When to speak and when to remain silent.

I'm asking God to help me with this. I want to be a person who is listening for the Spirit--and not just listening to myself talk. This will help me be a better help to the people in my care.