What are you trying to say?

We were at The Puffy Muffin for our customary Saturday breakfast. (I know it sounds like a “frufru” place, but they have really good, big breakfasts.) It seems that I have this bad, or at least very annoying, habit of resting my chin in my hand. Diane told me for at least the tenth time this year: “I know you’re saying something, but, either you’re mumbling, or your hand is blocking all the words coming out of your mouth! What are you trying to say?” 

Oops! Sorry. My bad. Again.

The same question came up only a few days later as I was rereading a book written my long ago friend Bob Benson titled HE SPEAKS SOFTLY.  Somewhere in his travels, Bob was being interviewed about his writings and speaking events for a radio program. The host was wrapping up the interview and asked if Bob could, in just one brief sentence, answer the question: “What is it that you are trying to say?”

I think that Bob must have given this topic a great deal of thought. He was able to, in seven words, articulate very simply the overriding theme of his message, his writings, his speaking, his ministry, and therefore his life.  These were his seven words: “God has something to say to you.” 

Got me to thinking…seriously thinking. (Bob’s writings always do.)

What exactly is it that I’m trying to say?

We are all saying something, aren’t we? Not just by our words, but by our behavior, by our priorities in spending our time and financial resources, by our expressions of love and disdain, by our expectations and acceptance of others, by our lives.

We all have our audiences. Our families, our circles of friends, coworkers, the groups we’re part of, those who might be just watching…or listening; and today, even our social media contacts.

Can I articulate clearly in one sentence what I’m trying to say? What I want my life to say?

I have decided that I’m going to spend time to prayerfully consider a concise statement of “what I’m trying to say.” May take a few hours…a few days…or a few months…I’m not sure.

And then, if I’m not too scared, I plan to do an honest evaluation of whether my words, my priorities, my behavior…my life is speaking that message as clearly as I can with God’s help…

or if my chin is in my hand resulting in mumbles that are  indistinguishable. 

What about you?  You have been saying something. And you will be saying something. Is it what you want to say?

Care to join me?  It might be a bumpy ride.

I’d love to hear what you think about expressing your own message…by confidential comment or email to me at skip@sourcingdept.com

By the way, HE SPEAKS SOFTLY goes on to give meaningful insights surrounding “God has something to say to you.”  And Bob’s follow-up truth “You can hear Him if you listen.” Highly recommended.

And, if you see me out somewhere resting my chin in my hand, please say: “Quit that!”

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