For much of my adult life, my days have been spent with children, mostly toddlers. Between raising my own, doing daycare, and now tending to my granddaughters, one might say I have had more conversations with toddlers than adults.
Jocelyn, now talking up a storm, makes for some lively conversation these days ….
- “What you laughing at?”
- “What in you mouth?”
- “What you doing, Mimi?”
- “Mimi, what you number?” (translation > “How old are you?”)
- “I love fifteen eight!” (in response to my answer to the above question)
Most days it seems like I am under observation, having to explain all I do, to the littlest detail. It’s the way Jocelyn is processing life and learning. Actually, we all learn much the same way – observing, comparing, contrasting, and conversing.
As I share with Jocelyn, providing her with answers to the questions she asks, I keep my words simple as she is only three. I want to bring understanding and growth, not confusion.
Jesus talked simply with the crowds. He conversed using analogies the people would be able to relate and understand. He shared occurrences in nature and behaviors to make a point the people would be able to grasp and remember.
He did not attempt to impress the crowds with His intelligence, concepts, and vocabulary. Jesus did not throw theological terms around, not even to the educated Scribes and Pharisees.
Paul, being well educated himself, also knew simple was better ….
“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.” (Ephesians 6:19, NLT)
Paul prayed for God to give him the right words for the right audience. And so should we. May we be dependent on God in every conversation we have for every word which we speak.
May we hear God say to us, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.” (Psalm 81:10, NLT)
Short, easy words.
“What about lunch?”
Today I am joining .. Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Women With Intention and Wedded Wednesday .
I love this! It also encourages me to continue to just be who I am. I’m not eloquent. I’m a bit quirky, and I sometimes forget what I’m saying or how to say it. I’m not polished, and I don’t have to be. Thanks for confirming that I can relax and just be me.
Mary, I feel much the same as you. I am so grateful we do not need to be eloquent. We need only be ourselves. And that will always be enough 🙂 Blessings!
I have trouble keeping it simple. My children are constantly asking me questions and I am learning how to break things down so they can understand them. Thank you for the affirmation you shared in this post.
May you find that it comes easier in the days ahead as you continue to keep things simple. Somehow I don’t think our children (nor others) will be as impressed with our words or knowledge as they will be that we were successful in communicating with them on their level. Here’s to short, easy words in the days ahead!
As a momma, this totally resonates with me. And, really, as a writer too. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
I do think it is important that we speak so as to be understood and not to impress. Hope you are having a good weekend!