Monday, May 19, 2008

Words

Words are powerful. We've all heard that. Words have different meanings across time and cultures as well. Two thoughts about words.

Over the years, I've learned to be very careful with words. In particular, this applies to sentences that begin with "I am" and "You are".

When we begin to describe ourselves, with sentences that begin with "I am", where did we learn to believe about ourselves what we are describing? Some people describe themselves as tired, or broke, late, busy, overwhelmed, at peace, active, stupid, and a host of other adjectives. We generally express verbally what we believe about ourselves. The challenge with self-description is that we as individuals have been endowed by our Creator with potential and creativity that has yet to find limits. Most of the limits we face are self imposed, based on what we believe, and which are often borne out by what we say.

Does this mean we can accomplish anything? Not necessarily, since there must be desire involved. God in His love will not give us the desire to accomplish something that is physically impossible for us. For example, God hasn't given me the desire to be an NBA AllStar. Desire though, is the subject of another blog.

What about those sentences that start with "You are"? When we describe others to them, can we do it in a way that is uplifting and encouraging, rather than destructive?

The second thought is simply the matter of giving our word. When we tell someone yes, let it be. When we tell someone no, let it be as well. Choosing to be bound by our words gives us a peace of mind, and a sense of self-respect that's available few other ways. This applies whether it's keeping an appointment, making good on promises to our children, our customers, our boss or others, or our marriage vows.

Many of us work by written agreements of some kind, whether they are called contracts, service agreements, engagement letters, or some other name. A well drafted agreement gives us essentially one right, and that is the right to enforce the agreement in court. In effect, using the courts to force someone to keep their word. The courts can find for the plaintiff, which gives the plaintiff the legal right to collect. It doesn't give the plaintiff money, it simply gives the plaintiff the legal right to look for and take it. In effect, the law defines minimum standards of behaviour, and the civil and criminal penalties for violating that behaviour.

Choosing to live by our word instead, even though we may have a written agreement, allows us the freedom of doing all we can to serve others, going above and beyond what may be called for in a written contract. There generally isn't much additional time required, but the results often have an incredible impact on the bottom line. Even if there is no noticeable difference on the bottom line, the example we can set for others by living by our word can have an enormous impact.

Until next time...

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