Things we don't say...

I saw Ash and Alicia off this morning on their way to Wisconsin, and I realized about two hours later that I didn't say "I love you" as I hugged them goodbye, and I'm seriously regretting it. While thinking about this, I realized that sometimes what we don't say can be just as  harmful as what we do say. James 3 talks about the power of the tongue:

We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way....the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. ....It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.  (James 3:2,5-6).

I've realized this doesn't apply just to what we say, but what we don't say. If we don't speak up when an injustice is being committed, that is just as powerful as speaking lies about somebody. God told several prophets that if they didn't speak what He told them to say, they would be held accountable. If Queen Esther hadn't spoken up to the king about Haman's evil plot against the Jews, her and her people would have all perished. Yes, we need to watch what we say, but we also need to speak up and say things that need saying. I hope and trust that Ash and Alicia know how much I care for them. I've gotten to feel very strongly about holding your loved ones close, even if they are far away. I hope to stay in frequent contact with them, which is part of the reason for the Facebook page and my  new iPod touch.