Andy McIlvainLet Your Thoughts Simmer!
In cooking letting something simmer brings our flavors that are remarkable, flavors you do not get with a fast and quick cooking method.
In the same way what we think and how we respond and relate to those around us with our words benefits from slow and steady.
All of us are caught up in our cultures instant gratification, hurried and run ragged non-stop get it while you can way of life. And this way of living is deadly and unwise, it can ruin our health and mental abilities, lead to burn out and death.
Yes there are some in our nation that still live with deliberation and a slower more thoughtful pace. We too can slow down, be reflective and contemplative of our lives and the lives of those around us. Like our daily walk with Christ we must be intentional, we must come to realize what is truly important in life.
Patience is a virtue we all must work at from a very early age. And each of us are perhaps more patient with certain things and people in our life. But we must continually press ahead with our patience.
With social media we are prompted and primed for immediate response and most of us if not all of us have responded rashly and harshly top others comments. The actual dysfunction of social media means we cant' really interact or see body language, facial language and we are limited in our words. All for this is a recipe for anger and misunderstanding.
Most of us will not even when we have time fact check anything, do you?
Assumptions that someone or some group is relating truthful or factual information is not a foredrawn conclusion. Yet we act like it is.
Proverbs 10:19
19 When there are many words, sin is unavoidable,
but the one who controls his lips is prudent.
God knows how we think and warns us in this Proverb.
Quick words do not take the time to assume the best of others, resulting in an initial reaction that is emotional rather than emotions guided by truth. Wisdom then on our part means we let our words slowly bake & simmer, slow cook in our hearts and minds before making them known to others.
Proverbs 17:27
27 The one who has knowledge restrains his words,
and one who keeps a cool head
is a person of understanding.
Our words may be truthful, but they might not said in a timely manner.
Proverbs 25:11
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.
From a practical thoughtful perspective it would be best perhaps if we discussed our thoughts first with someone. Who are we speaking to, through social media and is the subject even proper for social media. Could it better be discussed through an e-mail or letter that allows for critical thinking?
Restrain and train yourself not to respond on social media immediately. Get up and walk away, come back later. Write your response out on your computer, save it and come back in a few days.
We all can be better stewards of our words which ultimately become our witness to the world around us.
Choose the way of the wise and let your words simmer!