Maintaining Idle Speed in a "No Wake Zone"

Growing up in South Florida, there were a lot of opportunities to see boats and ride in boats. My grandmother had a house on the Intracoastal waterway and we would sit out on the dock and watch the boats go by. We learned what channel markers and buoys were for and why boats had red lights and green lights on them.

There were two signs on the waterway near my grandmother's house. One was "Idle Speed" and the other was "No Wake Zone." When seeing those signs, the boaters knew that they should be traveling at or below idle speed to ensure that the boat's wake would not cause any injury or damage to any person, boat or property.

What's a wake? Basically, a wake is a swell of water, waves, path, or water pattern that follows behind a boat moving through the water. Anyone who's been in a smaller boat when a larger boat passes by, knows to "hang on" because the small boat can be rocked back and forth when crossing the wake of the larger boat.

I think we should have "No Wake Zones" in our lives. Think about it. When was the last time your "world was rocked" by something someone said or did? You didn't see it coming. You didn't know to "hold on" until the way was smooth again. The other person may or may not have had any idea of the impact of their "wake" as they just moved on.

Navigating through life's "waterways" can be a challenge. It would certainly help if we knew where our personal "No Wake Zones" were. We all have them. Those little areas where we are more sensitive and prone to have our "world rocked" (or at least tipped off-kilter). What if we focused on the boat captain, Jesus, through those zones and asked him to help us to maintain an "idle speed" through it? We can't control how someone else might speed through our "No Wake Zone" but we can control how we react to it. Sometimes we might need to speak with the person about their "wake." They might not even be aware of it. Sometimes we might need to just "hold on" and maintain our "idle speed" through the interaction. Sometimes, though, we might need to change our course and take a different direction. Whatever we choose, though, will be our choice.

The next time someone comes zooming into your "No Wake Zone," be prepared. Let the "captain" help you navigate the waters and maintain your "Idle Speed." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Godspeed!

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda and the Green Light Pause

When I was growing up, the family would sit around the dinner table telling about our day. One of us would be talking about something we had said in a situation when my dad would say, "You shoulda said....". He would go on to share "Dad" wisdom of what he thought would have been a better response. The whole family would then get involved in the "shoulda saids." It became a part of the family banter.

As an adult, I still have "shoulda saids" running through my mind. Sometimes I'll review my response to something and think, "Maybe, I should've said this or maybe I should've said that, instead."

I think all of us have moments in our lives where we "shoulda" said something differently. Sometimes we have regrets that we "coulda" said something, but we didn't. We even think on some things and say, "If I had to do it over, I 'woulda' done it differently."

Sometimes we mean the words we say, at the moment, only to think about them later, with regret. Sometimes the words "fly out of our mouths" before we've even thought about it. Sometimes, though, we've had an opportunity to say something...but didn't.

Words can be very powerful. They can build up and they can tear down.

The Bible has a lot to say about the power of words, especially in the book of Proverbs.
In Proverbs 16:24, it says, "Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
In Proverbs 15:1, it says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
In Proverbs 12:18, it says, "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

I really do try to watch what I say. Some days are better than others. I have discovered, though, that if I pause before saying something, it gives me a moment to consider my words. It's sort of like the green light pause. You know when you're at a stop light and the light turns green but you wait that extra second or two to make sure no one is coming before you go? That's a green light pause. It doesn't matter to me if the person behind me honks, I'm more concerned for my safety than their need to "go, NOW."

Perhaps we all could take a green light pause before we speak. We could take a moment and think before we speak. It might prevent some verbal "accidents" and avoid possible damage.

Hawk Nelson, a Canadian Christian Rock Band, does a song called "Words" that really says this much better than I can. I'm including a link to their video, here. The song talks about how words can "build us up" and "tear us down," "start a fire in our hearts" or "put it out." It's a powerful song.

"Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda." Those words speak volumes, don't they? The next time a "shoulda said" pops up in my mind, I hope it's just a memory of those family dinners, long ago. If I use my green light pause, maybe I'll actually be saying what I "shoulda said," first.