My Carrot Bat Is On The Roof!

I gave my granddaughters a plastic bat and ball that is shaped like a carrot for Easter. The 4 year old decided to throw her bat up in the air. Her mom told her not to throw the bat in the house. We continued talking and a few minutes later she came in pouting and said her bat was up on the roof. So she took her mom literally, don't throw it in the house, so it should be okay to throw it outside.

Years ago, when Tanner was about 6 he kept trying to do a flip on the low diving board. I told him not to flip on the diving board. He interpreted my words to mean don't flip on the low dive. I thought he would understand me to mean that he was too young to do flips. A few minutes later, Tanner flipped off the high dive and SPLAT right on his little back. His Uncle Allen was there and leaped over a fence, I jumped in, and the life guard was in the water in a flash. Boy, did his back make a loud slapping sound that we all reacted instantly to. Later, the fair skin on his back had feather bruises all over it.

Kids interpret what we say and not always the way we mean. That is so true of adults also. We misinterpret what others say or even their simple gesture or a look. Sometimes this results in misunderstandings or hurt feelings. Sometimes we let it affect our relationships in negative ways. I pray, I can be less sensitive with other peoples words. To know what they mean not necessarily what they say. It is a real need of mine, to give people the benefit of the doubt. To listen to their hearts not just their words. I don't want to be someone others feel they have to be careful with their words ,not to hurt or anger me.

Pray for an open mind and open heart for me.

In Him,

Joyful
4-4-10