Since Sunday, I have been trying to be cognizant of what it means to abide in Christ. Being aware of Christ’s presence and the Holy Spirit’s guidance has caused me to be more careful in my interactions and responses. I have done more listening and less talking.

The images above are a visual representation of my thoughts this week. When I see the picture of the ocean I automatically think of the sound the ocean produces. Don’t get me wrong. I love the sound of the ocean. In fact, at our house we all sleep to the ocean sound. My point being, the ocean produces a distinct noise whereas the marsh is quieter. The marsh is more peaceful. To hear sounds around a marsh you must be quiet and listen.

Just like the two bodies of water, we must be aware of the words we speak. There are times we may be loud, talking with others and responding to conversations. Sometimes we may be like a marsh. We may need to be quiet and listen. However, at all times we should be mindful that our words are gentle and life-giving.

On this Water Walking Wednesday, I encourage you to be aware of the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you interact with others. Listen and pause before responding and be sure the words you speak are Christ-like. Be mindful that sometimes you need to be an ocean and sometimes the situation calls for a marsh.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬