A look through my eyes

The lovely taste of feet..........Bleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaahhh!

There are times I seem to have a serious problem with foot in mouth disease.  No matter how tactful I try to be when expressing an opinion to someone, I often find my foot in my mouth.  

Take today for instance.  

Although I have been asked to mentor the individual in the past, today, I wasn't being sought for advice.  That's probably where I got into trouble, but, true to my nature, I saw something and  felt compelled to share with them.  I prayed for wisdom on how to best approach the situation.  When the opportunity arose to speak, I approached it in the manner I thought most appropriate. 

Too late I discovered I had misunderstood.  I was trying to commend them for correcting something, only to find they were oblvious to what it was.  Foot deeply imbedded in my mouth, I tried to graciously backpedal out of the situation. With each word, I realized I was only digging the hole deeper.  Recognizing I had inadvertantly offended, I tried to apologize.  The terse reply verified my apology wasn't trusted. 

I hate this.   Once again I've injured someone in my effort to help.  People say they want the truth, but not always.  They may want accountabity and mentoring, but be careful what you say.  Just because someone has asked for your help, doesn't mean they're going to be at a place where they can hear what you have to say when you're ready to say it.

 I try to be very careful with my words, and when I find I've caused injury because of something I've said, it frustrates me.  I've worked long and hard to try to curb my tongue, and to try to bless instead of bruise. I can only pray God will use my fumbling efforts, in spite  of my stumbling, bull in the china cupboard efforts.

I move forward,  Trying carefully not to knock any more of the fragile elements around me on the ground, I feel the crunch of a broken trust beneath my feet.

I will not hang my head in shame.  I had not set out to offend.  I will accept the responsibilty of what I need to change, and pray for the wisdom to be more discerning in the future, but I won't get snared in the "Poor me's" of the "would've, should've's, could'ves"  It's counter productive.

One baby step at a time I see where God is pruning the areas in my life that need His help.  I am grateful for His love and grace.  He is definately the Lord of second (third and fourth) chances and the God of restoration.  He uses all things to His glory when we'll let Him.

Boy oh boy!  I can hardly wait to see what He's going to to with this!

Toe jam isn't tasty.

I love your view..

11:03 PM, Aug. 14, 2007 .. Posted by mom2two

...and how humble you are! Haven't we all been in situations where we say things that we shouldn't have said? But God knew those situations were going to happen! He must have had something planned even if we felt we fumbled. I am sure you have done what you needed to do to make the best of the situation!

Love you,
Yvonne :o)

I've been there too!

3:26 PM, Oct. 2, 2007 .. Posted by ThriceBlessed

I know how you feel, God very well may use this in the persons life, just because they aren't receptive now doesn't mean they didn't need to hear it. God can show that to them.

What a gift you have!

8:11 PM, Oct. 5, 2007 .. Posted by Holli

Your heartfelt entry moved me.... so often I feel the burden of the" woulda, shoulda, couda" and want to beat myself up for any mis-steps, too. God just keeps on loving us, and his grace is awesome! You are a blessing, and you keep on writing!