The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Ecclesiastes 9: 17 NASB

     Bells jingled to signal my entrance to the dentist office, and Sergeant Thorough didn’t miss a beat as she studied my chart, “Correct pew and time this week?” I laughed at her tone more than her remark. She sounded gruff; but she had earned my trust. 

     For years, I’d dug my finger nails into my wrist to calm my nerves after going through a dreadful experience at another office. I wasn’t aware that it was a form of self-injury until I became a Counselor/Advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and tried to stop. Then a friend informed me that she recalled her favorite hymns as she endured painful procedures. 

     Nevertheless, my dental hygienist soon had me in stitches with her questions, “What do you think of the Oscar debacle? Do you like to garden?” I tried to say that fists and fights aren’t the answer; and I like to weed, but I can’t bend or kneel anymore . . . all while my mouth was held wide open. She also recalled that my friends and I take turns making dinner on Bible study nights, but she twisted some of the details. I tried to defend myself; it’s only a female gathering! Then with a dramatic gasp, she noticed my long eye lashes. I assured her that they’re not fake and admitted that they smudge my glasses all day. When she finally suctioned my mouth clean, I quickly sputtered, “We could have a conversation if you stopped cleaning my teeth!” To which she raised an eyebrow and grinned as she asked, “Did I make you laugh?” 

     Sergeant Thorough had effortlessly put me at ease. A thousand words couldn’t have talked me down off my precarious ledge, just like a rumble of fists and kicks couldn’t right a wrong. 

Wisdom is better than weapons of war. Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB

     Some may people-watch; but do we respond with care, concern, and compassion to the restless sneaker tapping, pulling tissues, and sorrowful, distant gaze? Do we engage or avoid the empty pools? Or else, has our job or ministry become so repetitious that we don’t notice when someone needs a seat or a cold cup of water? A kind word goes miles and doesn’t cost a dime. Therefore, we ought to listen with the eyes of our heart and tread lightly. 

     There’s a time to be silent and a time to speak. Nothing new is seen under the sun. Generations come and go. Hurt people, hurt people. We all need a rescue, Savior and Redeemer; the battle belongs to Him. 

     While Sergeant Thorough finished my cleaning, I silently hummed, “How Great Thou Art!” Worship is also better than weapons of war . . . and the injuries we inflict upon ourselves. 

     Jesus is our salvation. His shed blood has made us clean. His shed blood has made us worthy. We may be weak and wearied, but we won’t be left undone. Trust and patience will bear fruit. When we choose to listen over complaints, comparisons, and defenses, we begin to let go of past hurts, regrets, and failures. Besides, worship sets our eyes on our eternal hope . . . Jesus. All else fails in comparison.

Drawing near to listen,

Lily Mae

Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen . . .
Ecclesiastes 5:1 NASB