When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.  Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.  Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,  but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?  My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

James 3:3-12

I love people.

I love visiting with people, meeting new people, hugging people, sharing life with people.........

But oddly enough, I love being alone too.

I love quiet.

I love the stillness of an empty room with a candle burning and the lights low.

If I had to choose, I would be very drawn to the solitude of an empty room.

But, I know I can't stay there.

I need fellowship to survive.

I need interaction with others.

I need the laughter that comes from being with friends and family.

At the same time, I realize that with every opportunity to fellowship comes the responsibility of controlling a part of me that the Bible says "no human can tame."

That frightens me.

To know that within me lies a "restless evil."

I don't want to be guilty of praising God one moment and cursing man the next, but I know there are times when I complain, I judge, I fail.

So, do I opt for continual solitude so that I am safe from this "salt water" flow that tries to blend with my "fresh water" spirit?

I don't think we were given that option.

No, God calls us to be IN the world just not OF the world.

He wants us "out there."

He wants us living fully for Him in the midst of those who are not.

Deep breaths.

Whispered prayers of strength.

Constant Scripture quoting in my head.

That's what it takes to try to control this "spark" that can set a forest on fire.

I must blow out the candle in my quiet place and control the flame within me as I step out into the hustle and bustle of this world where the devil "roams like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour."

"Be strong and courageous," God says.

"Do not be terrified.  Do not be discouraged.I am with you wherever you go."

(Joshua 1:9)

Praying that today you are so full of His presence that the thought of uttering even one wrong word seems impossible.

Maybe God is calling us to be the "quiet place" for the world around us.

A porch swing with a friend where you simply sit and soak in the sunset.

A visit over a cup of coffee where the words are few but meaningful.

A walk with a friend where the conversation may be short but the miles are long.

When the world draws near to us, maybe just maybe the "slow to speak" part of us will be just what they need to experience in order to hear His voice in a busy and often crazy society.

Shhhhhh........

Let God speak as you live for Him,