I don’t know how long this video has been circulating but my kids sent it to me last night. It cracked me up so much I had to share it with all my friends and family. That’s why I’m sharing it with all of you today! 😊
While it brought a few chuckles, it really does have a good underlying message that ties into a scripture I’ve always liked in Proverbs.
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" (Luke 6:41)
Nowadays, our world seems to be filled with excessive fault-finding and harsh judgements, right? Maybe we should try to take a look at our own “motes and beams” to see if we are communicating effectively or understanding the conversations of others and their struggles. Even if they might not see clearly what the problem is right before their eyes—no one wants to be preached at. On the other hand, can we become so blinded (like the woman in the video) by our own pain and challenges, that we cant even listen to other people’s opinions?
My sweet Abby and I spoke at great lengths about this last night after watching this video. Particularly, about the importance of getting things off our chest and having truthful “communication” with no “justification”. It so warmed my heart when she said, “it’s fun to talk with you, Mom.” Teens can reach a stage when they don’t think your opinion has much value 🤣 so this was one of those treasured moments for me. Every one of my kids is very different and the way I convey messages to each of them is also very different. Some are more sensitive and prefer baby step realizations, while others like it plain and to the point. I DO think it’s best, no matter how they are individually, to try and hear about their problems first, before I offer my own opinion. Even though I know how to fix them. 🤣😂🤣 When we are allowed a safe place to talk things through with a sincere listening ear,👂 it helps us figure out challenges. 🤗 This discovery process builds self-reliance and esteem.
There is a modern proverb that says, “If your only tool is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail." 😁 Well, I think this should be added, "...though a hammer pounds a nail, remember, it is a two-sided tool. One is for pounding and the other side is for extracting." 😂👍 Many times picking the right side of the hammer (or form of communication), can make all the difference between failure or success. Clearly in life, it’s really not ALL about the NAIL. In some cases, it's about which side of the hammer we are using to 🔨 out the details! 😉
Sure, the pain from headaches and snagged sweaters can simply be eased by yanking the nail out of someone’s forehead. But I’ve learned too many times the hard way, the better outcome is usually to just be there and listen. Like the Bible says, let us “bear one another’s burdens” and NOT yank the nail out of people’s heads.😉
Would love to hear from you what lessons you may have gotten out of the nail video. Happy Sunday! 💋