Sticks and Stones
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
Do you remember that phrase? I remember saying it frequently to my siblings in years past. I wish it had been true.
A few days ago I was talking with some good friends when the discussion turned to blogs and Facebook. I mentioned my blog and said that I had connected with some old friends via Facebook and was enjoying getting to know them again. It was then that one of them asked me, or rather stated, "Don't you have a life?"
I had no response for that. I was somewhat overcome by emotion. Sadness, confusion and even anger. I was hurt.
That comment, however innocent, hit me hard. I don't have a life according to the world's standard. I am a stay-at-home mom who homeschools her children. My family life is much different from those with two incomes and children in a bricks and mortar school. And sometimes, I want to be that woman with a great career, jetting off to every remote location to "knock 'em dead" with a Powerpoint presentation. But then there are those days when my oldest son is smiling from ear to ear after some small accomplishment and I get to share that with him.
I shouldn't have been so affected by that comment. I know I'm very sensitive and I know my friend didn't say it to offend me. What that comment did, was remind me to think before speaking. Never before has James 1:19 been so appropriate for me. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." I will remember to be slow to speak. I will be slow to anger. I will remember that sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may offend me.
Do you remember that phrase? I remember saying it frequently to my siblings in years past. I wish it had been true.
A few days ago I was talking with some good friends when the discussion turned to blogs and Facebook. I mentioned my blog and said that I had connected with some old friends via Facebook and was enjoying getting to know them again. It was then that one of them asked me, or rather stated, "Don't you have a life?"
I had no response for that. I was somewhat overcome by emotion. Sadness, confusion and even anger. I was hurt.
That comment, however innocent, hit me hard. I don't have a life according to the world's standard. I am a stay-at-home mom who homeschools her children. My family life is much different from those with two incomes and children in a bricks and mortar school. And sometimes, I want to be that woman with a great career, jetting off to every remote location to "knock 'em dead" with a Powerpoint presentation. But then there are those days when my oldest son is smiling from ear to ear after some small accomplishment and I get to share that with him.
I shouldn't have been so affected by that comment. I know I'm very sensitive and I know my friend didn't say it to offend me. What that comment did, was remind me to think before speaking. Never before has James 1:19 been so appropriate for me. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." I will remember to be slow to speak. I will be slow to anger. I will remember that sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may offend me.
I definitely understand how you feel. I have those same thoughts myself. But then I look into my son's eyes, and I can't imagine doing anything else.
ReplyDeleteI would say that yes, you have a life. I life in fact full of splendor, richness and reward. A life with allowances for creativity, writing and photography. A life with the precous gift of raising your children, instilling solid family values,teaching them life skills in a manner that is ultimately priceless! (then I would have to bite my tongue and refrain from saying something ultimately tongue in cheek in response) ;)
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