My parents debated when I was growing up about whether or not the water should be left on while brushing your teeth. My father, the penny-pincher and ultimate conservationist, was convinced that his bill would double if the water was left on unnecessarily.
He was also the type to fill up our sink with soap and warm water to hand wash the dishes, laying them clean and dry on the counter directly over our perfectly good dishwasher. My mother didn't care as much. She loved our dishwasher, and she thought the sound of teeth brushing was gross, so if she was in the room, the water had to be on. I'm not so sure they ever solved the problem, as my parents are set in their ways and will do as they please with or without an audience.
Words are not much different, nor are the people who speak them. People either choose their words carefully, thoughtfully considering every detail, or they say the first thing that comes to mind, and these both have their pros and cons. However, when dating or in a relationship, word vomit isn't ideal, and here's why.
The people who speak first and think later are the same ones who act first and think later. Words without meaning, without action, are like running water down a drain. Nothing is held, nothing is saved, nothing is conserved. They flow freely, they have no limits, and we aren't quite sure where exactly they're headed. It costs us to let the faucet stay on.
You know this. You're the sink. The words of bad dates and boyfriends past have long turned to sewage. Just as soon as he breathes the words, "You're the only one I'm seeing right now," or "I love you," it's only a matter of time before his lines are flushed by the Snapchat video of him in the girl's bed he told you not to worry about, or the bruises on your face and arms that can't be covered by even your best concealer.
Don't you just wish with all your heart and soul that someone would want you to hold on to what he has to say?
Ephesians 4:2-3 With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Sweet girl, someone is coming. He is strong, kind, and loves you more than anything and anyone in the whole wide world. His words aren't empty, and your relationship would be the greatest joy. He is ready to heal your broken heart.
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.
God is love, right? Replace "love" with the word "God", and it still holds true.
Cling to this truth, and know that you were never unloved, and you were always wanted. Never accept the affections of a man who does not also live this truth. If you can replace the word "love" with the name of the man you are thinking of right now, then hold on tight, and thank God that He gave you a glimpse of eternal glory and true love.
It's coming, sweet girl. If you don't see it yet, that's okay. It'll be when you least expect it, because the blessing and lifestyle of a kind man of Christ will shock you and surprise you and shower you with adoration. And girl, just as you will make sacrifices for one another, you will reflect the ultimate loving relationship between mankind and the One who gave Himself for your salvation. He's coming. He's coming!
Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
