241207 Slow to Speak

 Slow to Speak

I used to be so very shy

Much too afraid to speak my mind

So, spent my time in observation 

Trying hard not to draw attention 

Thus, I too seldom chose to speak

Preferring not to make a peep

Unsure of what words I should use

Or if their meaning misconstrued 

Yes, my shyness was born of doubt

Much 'bout those days could live without

One gift it gave, though did not seek

Was careful thought before I speak

Yet, as my self-confidence grew

Tendency to speak too quick did, too

Rather than give words careful thought 

Began to say things I should not

Spoke out of place or out of turn

Measure my words - had to relearn

Overconfident about my views

Too careless 'bout the words I choose

Don't want to relive fearful days

Yet, want to curb my thoughtless ways

To have my words be loving; kind

Whenever that I speak my mind

May my speech be reflection of

The God I serve and his great love

Not add to world's cacophony 

Or thrown about too carelessly

Instead, I'll stop before I speak

And greater understanding seek

To listen more than need to talk

My speech, embody Christian walk

For, when I give my voice a rest

That's when I hear the Lord's voice best

The Word says, "blessed are the meek..."

God, help me to be slow to speak