In my reading this week I came across a list of actual statements made on résumés. I am confident that these statements did not come out exactly as the individual intended for them to appear. See if you agree:

-“Proven ability to track down and correct erors.”

-“Referees available upon request.”

-“Experienced in all faucets of accounting.”

-“Worked party-time as an office assistant.”

(These are courtesy of Dan Miller in his book “48 Days to the Work Love”. He was quoting from an article in National Business Employment Weekly.)

True confession time, did you have to read any of the above statements twice to find the error?

Reading the list of misstatements got me to thinking about times when I have had something escape my mouth while preaching or teaching that caused me to try and take it back immediately. Or worse yet, causes my wife to try hide as everyone turns to see her reaction. Some of these have been mild and others were cringe worthy. There was even one that nearly ended a worship service during announcements. Can you relate to this at all? Please, someone let me know that I am not the only one.

I have also wondered sometimes why some people have said what they said out loud. While honesty is necessary in our lives so is wisdom. Wisdom at times helps us to not say something just because it came to mind. Wisdom at times helps us to speak truth, but as scripture instructs we are to speak it in love. So what is missing in those times when what escapes our mouth is something we wish we could retract?

I guess today is one of those “random thoughts” kind of days. Good thing I am not speaking to any group today or I might be seeking to retrieve some of my words.

Dennis