Over the past few years, I’ve begun to know more about myself. I’ve begun to know what makes me happy and know what irritates me. One thing I’ve really learned is that when I’m tired, it’s best to keep my mouth shut. Out of my tiredness, I have a tendency to say things without thinking. Sometimes those things are spoken out of my frustration and tend to not be very kind. Just last week, I told my colleague that we needed to stop talking about something because I was tired and I had an attitude that was getting worse as we talked. I was afraid I was going to say something I was going to regret.

I am grateful for Scriptures like this verse. Athlete, God knows our weaknesses and He knows that there are times when we cannot do things on our own. There are times when I need His help to watch over the door of my mouth to make sure the words that pour out are a reflection of Him.

Prayer to consider today: Thank you Lord, for the wisdom to know when to keep my mouth shut. Lord, I want to speak words of life, words of encouragement. Please, keep a guard over my mouth and filter the words that come out so I can speak words that build others up.

Reflect: Are the words that come out of your mouth kind and uplifting? Or are they harsh and demeaning? (Sometimes we don’t mean for them to come out that way, but they do.).

Challenge: T.H.I.N.K. before you speak. Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?

Outreach Challenge: Summer is in full swing, which means that flowers are in full bloom all around us. Think about the people around you. Is there a woman who could use some flowers? Buy some flowers for her as a way to encourage her (Men, be cautious with this one. You don’t want to send mixed signals to a woman or lead her on. Maybe see if there is an elderly lady around you).