Honey or Vinegar?

"I am so sorry. I spilled coffee on your clean counter." With a disarming laugh and a twinkle in his eye, the manager of the convenience store who had been cleaning the counter replied, "Oh, this is not a problem. I look at this spill as job security. As long as I have customers like you I will always have work." As I paid the cashier for my coffee she said to me, "I love working here, and my manager is the best." Gracious words had created a warm atmosphere.

Often in difficult situations, my mind is so focused on correcting problems that my words are filled with criticism and critique. This is not good for creating a climate of constructive change. The writer of the Proverbs had this mastered long ago,

Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 NLT

In today's discourse, whether at work or home, in politics or in humor, words used are frequently not sweet to the soul or healthy for the body. An example of a type of humor often used today is sarcasm, which means to rip the flesh from the bone. This is not good! My wife, Pamela, encourages me to use honey rather than vinegar with my words.

Will you join me this week in choosing kind words? The results will be sweet and healthy!

Sharing the journey with you,