Life is full of uncertainties. The prospect of terrorism, as well as constantly evolving fatal viruses and diseases keep us wary and on edge. We never know what evils lurk around the corner. I would not want to try to function in today’s world without faith in an intelligent higher power to maintain order in a universe careening toward disaster. Christ’s presence in my life has given me a calmer approach toward living, even in the midst of catastrophes and crises that abound around the world.We never know what new trauma life might hand us and it would be a miserable existence to constantly be looking over one’s shoulder for the next assault.

My tendency to be an alarmist was once overwhelming enough to cause physical illness. I needed medication for my high blood pressure, frayed nerves, startle reflex and sleepless nights. I often panicked, reacting in terror, when my own husband walked into a room was in, causing tense moments between us. Now I can testify to the difference that having confidence in Christ has made.

My tendency to blurt out my feelings thoughtlessly has also mellowed, partially through maturity, but mostly through God’s grace. I recall two incidents that occurred during my teen years. One day my friend Judy and I sat on the city bus returning from a shopping trip. I voiced my resentment towards one of our schoolmates whom I believed had deserted our little neighborhood group to join the rah-rah popular crowd. As I went on about my friend’s snotty behavior, I noticed her best friend sitting two seats up across the aisle. “Hi Irma,” I called, “where’s Joanne?” “Right beside me,” came the curt reply, from one who had obviously heard every word I had said. And then I saw the person I had badmouthed looking straight at me in disbelief. Joanne and I had been good friends, and I was hurt because I thought she had chosen new friends over me. But there was no excuse for my behavior. I was too ashamed and embarrassed to speak with her then, but when I got home I wrote her a letter of apology. She forgave me and we became and remained the greatest of friends.

It would seem that I learned my lesson, but I hurt another undeserving person with my wagging tongue. There was a boy at school named Gordon who repeatedly chose me for his social dancing partner in phys-ed, and made obvious attempts to talk to me in homeroom and in the hallways. One day at home, the phone rang and Gordon’s good friend Kenny asked me what I though of Gordon. I launched into a giggling young girl denial of any feelings I could possibly have for that oaf. Imagine my chagrin and shame when I discovered that I was actually speaking to Gordon. Without a doubt, that ended his fascination for me and I was too ashamed to even look his way from then on. I never made it right with Gordon, although I wish I had.

The scriptures say that the tongue is full of fire, a world of iniquity that defiles the whole body, and I say hopefully, that I have grown beyond my thoughtlessness and vain childish ways. A plea for discretion is part of my daily prayers. I remember the saying that one of my high school teachers repeated to her noisy classes. “You never know from where you sit, who in the balcony is going to spit.”

Taming one’s tongue requires constant effort. And for the grown up teenager that I am, the wise words of that teacher along with scriptural admonition I have memorized remind me that in life you never know. That is, unless you have decided to walk closely with the Savior who brings out the best, even in one who has had a wagging tongue and a tendency to be overly anxious.

Thank You, Lord

You removed the sharp edge
From my tongue
And gave me courage
For each day
Help me live so that
I honor You
While giving love
To others on the way