The red haired, freckled face, Sarah, a very hyperactive six years old was standing quietly in front of the church in what seemed to be a daze. This was a rare event, but it was her smile that put me on alert. She stood motionless about about ten feet from two church leaders and was wearing “that impish little smile.”

Her behavior was so unusual, being still, quiet and smiling, again that, “type of smile”. I went over to her. “Is there something wrong, Sarah” I ask, bending down to her level. She didn’t move, and I noticed her eyes were focused on the men’s feet. “No,” she said quietly, frozen into place, intently watching the men’s feet. “I’m waitin’ to see if they say good Jesus words or bad Jesus words, cause they’re standin’ in fireants.”

Children, as well as adults, learn about who we are, when “things” happen in our lives, especially life’s irritations. Little Sarah, was waiting to see a reflection of who these men were in relationship to Jesus. What do children and youth learn from you and me? What do other adults learn from us?

When bad things happen, how do we react and what do we say? Do we explode and say the things we shouldn’t? Does our language bring sadness to the heart of God? Do we reflect the Christ who lives within us? Does our words reveal our lack of spiritual growth? >

James 3:1-5 2. For we all stumble (some translations use the word offend) in many things. If anyone does not stumble (offend) in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body… 5. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!