What You Say...

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Wow!  I didn’t realize that what I said made that much difference”?  It happened to me a short time ago.  I received a telephone call from a man whom I had only talked with briefly one time in the past.  He works with the elderly, as I do, lives in another state, and is not part the organization for which I work.  Near the end of our recent telephone conversation he said, “Before we hang up I just want you to know what an impact you have had on my ministry.”  I began to listen wondering what I had said or done that had made a difference. He went on to remind me that in previous conversation I mentioned a friend in a similar ministry who I felt may be of help to him.  After returning home he called my firend and talked for nearly an hour.  He went on to say, “If it wasn’t for your comment I would have never made the contact and been helped in my ministry. Thank you for that contact.”  After the call ended I reflected on what was said.  His comment reminded me of a truth I have known for a long time – what we say does make a difference.  The Bible says, “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a  conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians  4:6, Message Translation).  God can use us (even our speech) for His  glory.  Remember: What you say – does make a difference.