Discernment

It's been hard to know what is worthwhile these days; which thoughts to express, what goals to pursue and which goals to set aside.
Words.

What words really make a difference? Which to express, or keep to ourselves?

I often-times decide it's not worth saying anything. Other times, I just can't handle it any longer, and they come out like a flood. I want to change the way people think, without altering the way they think about me (unless that changes for the better). Selfish.

Sometimes discernment is easy. God is important, always God. But are my words about God important to the unbeliever if it does not change that person's thinking? Is it ever okay to say nothing? Too often, maybe, I let it go.

Too often, maybe, I don't say something when I should have.

Then again, too often I may say too much, when I should have stopped myself.

Words of encouragement.

Is expressed encouragement always necessary? The obvious answer seems to be yes, but what about someone who is constantly discouraged no matter what? What about a child who just does not want to participate, no matter what the consequence? Say a little and back off? Perhaps the answer is to keep encouraging even if they don't believe it. I find myself backing off after awhile. Allowing certain people to figure out on their own what they're capable of. Because, that's important too, right?

Advice. More words. So many words.

To know what advice is truly valuable and what advice is unnecessary would be a helpful life tool. Too bad there is not an owner's manual to the human conscience. Always, I wonder if I should say something, and what that should be. When I say nothing, I later regret it. When I say something I hope would be helpful, I often wonder if it was useful information.

Thoughts. Words. Questions. Discouragement.

Learning discernment. Wisdom.

So many words. Maybe, maybe I should just stop with the words, the thoughts.

Be still.

Trust.