This was today’s Proverb on Daily Audio Bible (which is something you should really discover if you haven’t already. Different post. Ahem).
Talk about getting smacked between the eyes. I think I could now re-title my month of writing as “31 days of honesty,” because that’s been my problem.
I want to unpack this verse. It might take a couple of posts, even, because there is just so much going on. I feel very out of practice in my writing, so that I can’t even get to the important nugget here, but I hope I can get close to some of what this verse is making me see today.
When I first heard the verse today, I thought about how refreshing and sweet it can be to get an honest answer. More than that, it feels intimate. The person who is answering feels comfortable in expressing their honesty to me, and knows I won’t reject them because it. Just like a kiss on the lips–vulnerable and sweet and loving.
And then, of course, there is offering the answer. When I am really honest, it feels so vulnerable. How do I know that the person I offer my answer to is even worth the risk?
And this is where I started thinking about this blog (and my old blogging efforts). I want to be honest. But it is scary–more accurately, intimidating. And also, maybe misplaced. I am a grown woman and I certainly don’t need to be emoting all over the internet.
But further. Making the offer of a sweet, honest observation or answer can be a real gift to the recipient. Here’s an example, because I’m having trouble explaining exactly what I mean. At church yesterday a friend observed that our kids are so friendly with each other. They really like each other! And he asked if they were always like that (yep, pretty much) and how we did that. OF COURSE my first instinct is to brush it off with a mumble of “luck,” “God is good,” “you should see them other times…” but you know what? That isn’t the whole truth. They ARE good friends, and some of that is due to some decisions that Bill and I made very intentionally when they were quite little.
Not being honest deprives my friend (or a reader) of that kiss. It really might help someone and I should be unafraid of the risk of sharing an honest experience I’ve had. It isn’t bragging and it’s not going to jinx my kids so that they hate each other from here on out. It’s not boasting but sharing real, true parenting experience that had a great result so far.
So here’s to honesty. And to the raw vulnerability that a kiss on the lips can feel like. And maybe I’ll share my ideas about helping your kids be friends another day.
**OH! That picture up there–I need to say that I didn’t take that, duh, but a wonderful photographer in Paris did. You can click here to find out more.**
Somehow I don’t think I ever really took note of this verse. It is truly an interesting one! In thinking about this, I thought in reverse. A kiss on the lips from my husband makes me feel good. I realize in that one kiss that I am safe, I am loved, he is trustworthy, he’s for me. And that is what an honest answer should do for us as well – it should make us realize that there is safety with the person who is being honest. Their answer should be one that conveys love towards me as they answer in my best interest. I should be able to trust their answer as honest knowing they are for me. Wonderful post to provoke thinking about the answers we give & to being honest at all times. Glad to have been your neighbor at Inspire Me Monday 🙂
I know! I heard it, went “meh,” and then about five minutes later… oh. I see. I’ve been dealing with sugar-coating things, or giving honest answers (gently, of course), and this has made me see the importance of the honesty, how loving it really it. Thanks for popping by AND COMMENTING!!
Having good kids takes a lot of honesty – good for you. It is never luck – they don’t come that way. Good for you being honest. Bad parents do think good parents are lucky.
Yes…and it’s kind of bad to encourage that “bad” thinking that it’s all luck! Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve never noticed that verse in the Bible before! Thank you for unpacking it for me. It makes perfect sense–telling the honest truth (especially to an opinionated person if you’re a peace-keeper type) DOES make me feel vulnerable! And you’re so right about kids, too. It takes a lot of work to make sure siblings get along and treat other people in a kind way. Good on you and your husband for taking the time!
I like thinking about the other side, too. The sweetness of honesty between two friends. It increases the closeness. So much in that one verse. Thank you for visiting!