Splattered toothpaste and spilled words...

It is not my favorite chore.  I don't mind laundry, sweeping, taking out trash, or washing dishes. But cleaning the bathroom is not my idea of fun. 

I don't mind scrubbing the tub or even cleaning the "porcelain throne."  Cleaning the sink/vanity/mirror actually bothers me most.  Why?  The sticky residues from toothpaste and hairspray seem the most difficult to remove.

Naturally, I began analyzing this as I scrubbed our master bath tonight for a possible lesson.  Life brings smudges, spills and stains.  My family and I joke about me being the "stain queen" re: laundry.  I enjoy the challenge to remove them and I am thrilled when I succeed...most of the time. 

But splattered toothpaste and hairspray residue annoys me.  Perhaps, they remind me that what comes out of our mouths makes a different mess in life. The old adage "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" is inaccurate.  Words do hurt...deeply.  Cleaning up injured lives from cruel words is most difficult.

Over the years, I have had multiple hospital experiences.  I have endured surgeries, various ER trips and even a couple broken bones.  Sure, scars and memories remain but time eventually healed those wounds.

Yet words seem to grip our hearts much differently. Cruel words carve wounds deeper than any scalpel could ever reach. Even if forgiveness occurred, the scars still sting occasionally.  Once a word is released, it can not be removed. I have spoken them and regretted them.  I have also been on the receiving end of gossip, lies, false accusations and attacks.  So far, I haven't found a cleaner that instantly removes damaging words I spoke. Nor have I found wound care options that erase my scars.

Cleaning toothpaste and hairspray residue may be challenging.  But cruel words adhere to hearts and lives much more seriously.  James 1: 19 says "...everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry..." What crucial and wise words those are!

Dear God~Please forgive me for the messes my words have caused.  May I build up instead of tear down.  May I show compassion for those wounded.  May I honor You, reflect You and please You with each word I speak.  May I trust You...always. ♥~thl