Texting

When we lived in the states, I didn’t text.  For our plan, it cost 10 cents a text.  I also didn’t really care for texting because I was always taking cell phones from students who were trying to text during my class.  Then I moved overseas.  Between flight following, checking in each night, and communicating with my teen when she is out, I text a lot more.  Texting is also much cheaper which helps.  Since we don’t have voice mail on our phones, texting is a way to let others know that you need to talk to them or take care of business quickly.  I am still the slowest texter in Central Asia but I get the job done.  A year ago, I inherited my husband’s phone when he bought himself an iPhone.  At first I didn’t like his phone but then I learned that texting was faster on this new phone.  I could type a word and it would guess what I was trying to type and even give me a couple of choices to pick from.  Now I couldn’t keep up with how fast my friends were texting but I was getting closer.  Then I dropped my phone one too many times and all of sudden I no longer have the choice between what words I want.  For example if I want to type “me”, I get “of”.  If I don’t want “of”, I have to change the input method and do it the longer way.   I debated on just doing all texts the longer way but then I found a different solution.   If I changed how I worded my texts most of the time I wouldn’t have to switch back and forth between input methods.   Since “home” usually came out as “good”, I would text “back to the house”.   It was more words but faster.  By carefully choosing my words, I was to get around my problem.

In Proverbs 25:11, it says that “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”  My texting situation has reminded me that when I am speaking with others my choice of words is important.  How I say things make a difference with my husband and my children.  I need to carefully choose my words.  How I say things to my students affects the how well they will do in my class.  I need to carefully choose my words.  Words are important.  My prayer is that each day I will use the right ones.

Dear God, Be with my conversations today.  May my words be acceptable in your sight.  May my conversation be full of grace and seasoned with salt.  May my answers glorify you.  Amen