trbccoffeebreak

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6 (ESV)

I’d been off from work since Christmas Eve and on this day, my goal was to do some major writing. I got up t early morning, ate, showered and glued myself to that chair. By late afternoon, I had finished my project and decided to clean up a very messy desk.

One pile moved to another so I could work on the pile sitting right before my eyes. As I twirled my chair around to work on the back of my desk, I hit my stack of piles on the other corner and graciously tipped my tea glass over my computer. I quickly moved into recovery mode but my tea saturated laptop was hopeless. The motor powered up and then shut the computer down never to come alive again. Tea and laptops don’t mix and did I mention it was sweet tea. Sticky over my desk, pouring out of my laptop and on the floor.

Saddest moment! How could the perfect writing day end in such a disaster?

We can’t control spilled tea once it’s out of the glass. So true in life when our “spilled tea” saturates others. Those words we shouldn’t have spoken. The actions we took in haste. The right word in the right moment which we chose to ignore. The thoughts sabotaging our relationships with others.

Words to consider as we begin a new year – make sure we guard our tongue, mind and actions. Damage control is overrated. I tried hard to rescue my drenched laptop – turning it over and shaking the tea out, but my efforts were futile. There is no guarantee for recovery when we carelessly allow our “spilled tea” to impact others.

I love the grace of our God who doesn’t get bogged down by our “spilled tea” and offers forgiveness in abundance. We can secure peace and comfort to move forward without shame. But a word of caution; forgiveness and grace doesn’t guarantee restoration with others. Wounds run deep and our testimony is at stake. Let’s choose to intentionally be wise women who exercise control and discernment over our words, thoughts and actions. No recovery required when the tea is still in the glass.

“Father, how many times have I allowed the unsweetness of my lips to spill over on others. Amazed by Your grace that still covers all of me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life