Silver Boxes by Florence Littauer

My words were harsh & hasty
And they came without a thought.
Then I saw the pain & anguish
That my bitter words had brought.

Bitter words that I had spoken
Made me think back through the past;
Of how many times I'd uttered
Biting words whose pain would last.

Then I wondered of the people
I had hurt by things I'd said;
All the ones I had discouraged
When I didn't use my head.

Then I thought about my own life
Of painful words I've heard;
And of the times I'd been discouraged
By a sharp and cruel word.

And now clearly I remember
All the things I might have done;
But, by a word I was discouraged
And they never were begun.

So, help my words be silver boxes,
Neatly wrapped up with a bow;
That I give to all so freely,
As through each day I gladly go.

Silver boxes full of treasure,
Precious gifts from above;
That all the people I encounter
Might have a box of love 

 

Florence Littauer

This poem punched me right in the gut a few Saturdays ago at a women's breakfast held at our church.  All too many times I let my words go so freely without thought or care of what they might do.  Especially the part that says, "All the ones I had discouraged, When I didn't use my head". I want my life to be more of an encouragement to others than a hindrance, and so from now on I'm going to try to picture my words as little silver boxes full of treasure and positivity to give to everyone I encounter. I hope this poem has encouraged you in some way too. 

Happy Tuesday!