MY THORN
Today's reading: Proverbs 16

Most of you are unaware of the disability I deal with on a daily basis. The 'thorn in my flesh' as one of our Christian brothers so rightly penned it. A nagging, annoying, debilitating condition that causes me pain, causes me trouble and causes me to spend a good number of hours on my Father's lap in 'time out'.

My inability has nothing to do with my legs, I get my two miles in three days a week. My hearing is not deficient, distracted, but not deficient. My eyes, although aging, are still on their own and functioning at close to 20/20 capacity.

My disfunctioning part is my mouth. My teeth are good. I eat well, boy do I ever eat well. No gum disease or gingivitis thanks to my dentist's diligent care. My problem is what I allow to spew from my mouth in the form of criticisms, catty remarks and unnecessary opinions. I say more than I should. I voice more than anyone, including myself, needs to hear. I, regretfully, have to spend a lot of time asking forgiveness for my mouthed statements.

Do you suffer, too?

"We can gather our thoughts, but the Lord gives the right answer." Proverbs 16:1 NLT

This verse may be my healing balm, my motorized wheelchair, my prosthetic limb.

Gathering my thoughts have never been a problem. I am a quick thinker and, most times, an even quicker speaker. I believe I will gain ground on this disability of mine through making the time to confer with God regarding all thoughts I am about to share aloud. I believe in some instances I will feel His nudge to keep my mouth shut. Certain times He may lead me to offer filtered bits and pieces of my opinions. There may be days when silent prayer, on my behalf and on the behalf of the one to whom I am speaking, is more of what's needed--and if I pause momentarily and seek His opinion on the matter, He will let me know.

My disability is a tough one. My disability affects far more than just myself. My disability is well within the power of a healing God!