A Picture is Worth

We have all heard the saying many times that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about the tone in someone's words.  The tongue it is said is as sharp as a two-edged sword, and I've been told on more than one occassion that I was mean, abrupt and bitter, and it doesn't matter if a person is smiling when they say those things, it still hurts.

Sarcasm is a great defensive mechanism and I used to use it all the time.  The other day some one said, "Who only own the words you speak.  You cannot control the way someone interprets them or takes them."  This is only too true.  In the long run, though, does it really matter.  If you say something totally unintentionally and someone is offended, is it your responsibility to apologize to them?  What if you don't know that you have offend them or hurt their feelings?  All you know is that now they are cold and distant. 

I posted a new profile picture of myself on Facebook.  It is very difficult to smile and take your own picture.  Someone said, "Great pic."  "Next time smile."  Funny thing is, I was smiling.  It wasn't a broad grin it was just a slight uplift at the corners of my mouth.  In the picture I look like I'm 100 years old or so it seems.  Situations in life do take their toll on you and I've been through some difficult things in the last two or three years, and stress has definitely help to age me.  I don't feel as old as I look in the photo, and the saying goes you are only as old as you feel right?

Here's a word of wisdom by the way, just because someone isn't smiling all the time, doesn't mean that they are angry or upset or unhappy.  They might just be in deep thought or facing a difficult decision.  So don't look at them and say smile.  Just smile at them and acknowledge them.  Chances are that they will smile back.
May you be filled with the loving spirit of God!  He is awesome.... Thank you Lord Jesus for everything you do in my life. 

Okay, here's the picture I posted on Facebook...  Actually I share the one I didn't post and the one I posted.

Not posted....  

One on the right, posted...