Sometimes…less is really more. Words are REALLY powerful and can influence your day, but sometimes MORE words, does not impact like the RIGHT words. Consider this:
- The Lord’s Prayer contains 71 words.
- The Gettysburg Address contains 272 words.
- The Ten Commandments contains 139 words.
- The Declaration of Independence contains 1323 words.
- A U.S. government order setting the price of cabbage contains 26,911 words
In 1959, the co-founder of his publishing company bet Dr. Seuss that he could not write an actual book with a good story using fifty words or less. Dr. Seuss quickly accepted the bet. The result? The beloved book, “Green Eggs and Ham.” To date it has sold over 200 million copies – using only 49 words in its entirety. With this week being “Read Across America” week, I’m OFTEN drawn to the words of the author I can relate to best-Dr. Seuss! “You have feet in your shoes…go any direction you choose!
Paul says, “Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) What conversations have you had this week?Have they been filled with grace? Or has anger or pride driven it?
Maybe we can just say it this way: “If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate or the noise that drives others crazy!” That’s also the words of Paul in a modern translation.
Speak kindly, friends. Speak love. Those are the conversations that will matter.
Shalom & Noel – Peace and Love to Your Family, Friends!
Don
