Actions Speak Louder Than Words?

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11

Although ‘apples of gold’ is not an often spoken of subject in our everyday life, the right words at the right time is always a beautiful thing.  The phrase “actions speak louder than words” isn’t always the case.  Just like our actions, words can form out a variety of intentions and motivations, but what if we did and said things not to be “heard”, but to show, share, and live love?

Since my return from Uganda, I have been deliberately trying to figure out what makes people smile the most…we are guilty of not slowing down enough in life to enjoy the small things, so I wanted to figure out a few ways to make life more enjoyable-even in the chaos.

·      Smile first. 

·      Ask, “How are you?” and actually stop to hear the response.

·      Hold the door open for others-simple, I know

·      Send random cards/letters/packages-yes, students get really excited about random, unexpected mail.

·      Laugh even when the jokes aren’t funny.

·      Listen.  Be actively engaged in the conversations you have-show people the respect they deserve.

·      Go out of your way to acknowledge others-There is nothing worse than feeling invisible to the world.

·      Be present.  Wherever you are, be completely there. Soak up the here and now instead of dwelling on the future. 

I am all too often disappointed in humanity and the way we treat one another, and it’s past time for us to change that.  We are called to love one and all, and my challenge to you is to bring about that change.  Speak words of encouragement.  Be intentional.  Be gracious.  Be present.