Words and Relationships

God created us to be relational beings. He said, “It is not good for man to be alone…” (Genesis 2:18) – relationship from the very beginning. Language is the main way we interact in relationships. If you don’t believe me, just spend some time with me and my mother-in-law. She speaks Romanian and I speak English and we understand very little of what the other person says. There are still smiles and hugs. But we really cannot go very much deeper than that. Words are very important in relationship.

Words have power. God spoke, and the world came into existence! So how do we use our words to build up, bring life, and develop those blessings called relationships?

What should our words look like?

“Gracious speech is like clover honey – good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.” Proverbs 19:14 MSG

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My posts so far for The Faithful Village have been stories about the faithfulness I see in the people around me. This post is about something that can help faithfulness blossom more fully in your life and my life. It is the first in a possible series I’m calling “Lessons from the Lake”.

A Summer Swim

My parents live on a beautiful lake in Northern Minnesota. I was swimming at the lake this week. Surrounded by beauty. My favorite place in the world. The cool water flowed around me as I did the backstroke a short distance from shore. I am no Olympic swimmer, but my parents didn’t call me a “fish” when I was young for nothing. I love the water, and I love to swim. But fish or no fish, swimming is hard work. My breathing became more labored. But as I continued, I focused on breathing regularly.

In with one stroke.

Out with the next.

In.

Out.

I matched my breathing to my strokes. Deep breaths. And as I regulated my breathing, the rest of my movements became easier. It became sustainable.

As I left the water, dried off, and sat in the sunshine on the shore, I saw a connection between my swimming workout and my life. Sometimes this life feels like hard work. I find myself gasping for breath. So how can I regulate my breathing in this workout of life? What breathes life into me when I am empty and exhausted? Continue reading