power of words

I've been reading this:

and it has reminded me that LOVE is best done, not said.

and it has amazed me with all of the crazy adventures the author has had, just by choosing to live life with abandon and adventure.

and it has instilled in me the desire to stop getting through the day or the life and really start living it.

and it has challenged me that love = live

and it has reiterated the power of our words.

It's been a tough week.
I'm tired.  Bone, deep, weary, tired.
Tired like I've been on a mission trip for 7 weeks straight tired.
Tired like a mama who hears her name in her sleep, tired.
So tired that it feels like I just laid down when the alarm goes off.

And this school thing is relentless.  I am NEVER caught up.  Always behind.  And working 12-15 hours every. single. day.

And today I woke up to the announcement on the news that one of our teachers had been charged with having sex with a student.  So, needless to say, today was even more nuts than normal.

And I don't work in an environment that applauds our successes or gives any "atta boys" ... a place that never says, "thanks for going the extra mile, meeting extra, working harder, feeding kids" ... nope, it says, you have to stay after school for this meeting and give up your prep period yet again, and oh, did we mention, you can't eat lunch because you have duty, and you need to do more.

I read a chapter in the book a couple of days ago that dealt with the power of words.  Bob Goff says:
I used to think the words spoken about us describe who we are, but now I know they shape who we are.  [Words of encouragement] have their own power.  And when they are said by the right people, they can change everything.

I get frustrated with my kids.  Every. day.  I am frustrated that they don't do their work, that they don't study, that they do "get by"/mediocre jobs, not learn something/do it well job, that I care more about their effort than they do, that I want them to succeed more than they do.  And it drives me NUTS when I stand in front of them TRYING to help them learn something (because Lord knows they are incapable of THINKING for themselves!) and they are talking.  A. lot.  Not even facing the front of the room.  Talking to someone 3 rows over.  I. do. not. kid.

Yesterday I was so frustrated with their talking while I tried to review them that I just passed out the test and sat down and quit.  And today, I put a notecard with James 1:19 on my desk:

Be quick to listen.  Slow to speak.  Slow to anger.

I want to be keenly aware of the power of my words.  Words that will encourage and not destroy.  Words that speak hope and not despair.  Words that challenge without tearing down.  Words that are spoken in grace (as God's are with me) rather than anger.  Words that can change a heart, a future, a life.

Whew ... such a tall order.  So much bigger than my ability on my own.  God help me speak words of truth, of healing, or peace and grace.