Last night I was making dinner pottering around the kitchen, and in order not to set off the smoke alarms which I do much too often, I switched on the fan on the cooker hood. After a few minutes I realised the dog was no-where to be seen and eventually I found her crouched on the sofa shaking. It took me a while to realise that the sound of the fan had terrified her and once it was off she calmed down.

 

Now I need the fan and the dog needs a life so we will have to work this one out, but the point is how often do I do something or say something without a thought which affects those around me. I may not even be aware of it but sometimes a casual remark or a quick temper can cause a lot of damage to others, what trail of devastation have I left in my wake, how many shivering dogs on the sofa? Well maybe not, but you take my point

 

In this world of political correctness we are encouraged more and more to be measured in what we say, and at times I find it deeply frustrating, but how much better to watch what we do and say not because of any legislation but because of a  care and concern for those around us and a genuine desire to build people up and not tear them down.Seems like a good way to behave during the third week of advent, at least I can give it a try.

 

"All of us often make mistakes.But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and able to control his whole being." James 3 vs2