JUNE 24, Psalm 19:14

Ashley looked in horror as her chocolate milkshake began to spread across the table. “Why can’t you leave my stuff alone, Kristen?” she yelled.

“I didn’t mean to spill it,” said Kristen. Her lower lip was trembling. “I just wanted a taste.”

Mom appeared at the table with paper towels. “Here, Kristen,” she said. “Big girls clean up their messes.” “No... wait,” said Ashley. “I want to drink it! We’ve got to put it back in the cup.”

“I don’t see how you can do that,” said Mom. Ashley grabbed a spoon and tried to scoop up the creamy drink. It was no use. “I bought this with my own money,” she sputtered, “and you had no business touching it, Kristen.”

“I... I’m sorry,” murmured Kristen. “You’re going to buy me another one the next time we’re at the mall,” Ashley said. “But I don’t have enough money,” wailed Kristen. “Then save up,” growled Ashley, glaring at Kristen. “I wish I didn’t have a little sister.”

“Go to your room, Kristen,” said Mom. “We’ll talk about this later.” After Kristen left, Mom turned to Ashley. “Kristen should have left it alone,” she said, “but that’s no excuse for you saying unkind things to your sister.”

Ashley looked up from wiping the counter. “It’s not fair,” she complained. “Kristen messed with my stuff but you’re lecturing me.” “You need to understand,” said Mom, “that having you wish you didn’t have a sister hurts much more than having your drink spilled.”

“Well... I was mad,” mumbled Ashley. “I didn’t mean it.”

“We can be angry and still watch what we say,” replied Mom. “When we don’t, words can pour out and make a bigger mess than that drink. Taking words back is even more difficult than putting a milkshake back in a cup. In fact, you can never really take them back. I think you’d better try to repair the damage, don’t you?”

Ashley sighed, but she nodded and headed for Kristen’s room to apologise.

Thought: Are you careful to not say angry, thoughtless words?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to control my mouth, for I should not use this same mouth to praise You and to say unkind things! Please help me, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.