The Presents of a Sore Throat

for five days it hurt to talk

carrying two golf balls in my neck

swallowing felt like fire

so I had to ration my words

and even through the cold chills

under seven blankets

and the lead bubble headaches

growing behind the eyes

that transfromed my simple walk

into slippery stumbling on the deck of a stormy ship

in the middle of the fire, the silence,

the cold, and the pounding thunder

Lauren moved the layers of fleece

to put her little hand on my head

and begin her own viral conversation . . .

"Dear Lord, Please help my mommy get better.

I need her to get better so she can play with me.

She's my favorite mommy in the whole world and a lot of fun.

You just have to make her better and get rid of her aches so we can play. Amen."

I peeked out through the smiling tears

uncovering more than my face

and discovering gifts from You

a child that knows it's as simple as a conversation with You

a cause to celebrate health and life from You

but namely a forced lesson

to hold my tongue

and learn to listen

"Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise." Proverbs 17:28

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

"Many people are an “ouch!” looking for a hurt. If you cry “ouch,” the hurt will show up. If you complain, you’ll receive more to complain about. It’s the Law of Attraction in action. As you complete these stages, as you leave complaining behind, as you are no longer an “ouch” looking for a hurt, your life will unfold for you like a beautiful spring flower." Will Bowen, A Complaint Free World (Buy a bracelet)

"Controlled words are a measure of our maturity . . . the tongue is small but has huge impact . . . learn how to listen . . . we increase whatever we praise." Dr. Bob Laurent, "Viral Conversations" sermon April 5-6, 2008