Day 15- Actions and Words

Everybody knows the saying "Actions speak louder than words." I mostly agree with this, but I wonder if this saying puts the importance of the words we use on the back burner. For example, you could act nice towards someone, then turn around and call them a jerk or an idiot. So, would you believe the action of that person, or the words that came out of their mouth? On the contrary, when you say you love someone, you have to follow it up with the proper actions, or there is no substance to your words.

Most of us know that the words politicians use and the actions they take once in office do not usually line up. In this case, we tend to rely on their performance while serving the public as a true outline of their character. Wouldn't it be great if we had an entire Senate and House full of politicians whose actions and words were one in the same, 100% of the time, no matter what political party they belong to? I think it would set a standard in all government, federal and state, to stand by your word. How many of us are guilty of saying one thing, and acting differently? Well, I am sure most of us are. For example, you say nothing is bothering you, but your body language tells a completely different story (I am totally guilty of this). Why do we do this? Maybe we think it's easier to avoid a conflict, but it is rather passive-aggressive. If we would just use our words the issue would be solved a lot quicker. I think all relationships have a tendency for this to happen: parent-child, husband-wife, boyfriend-girlfriend, etc. That doesn't make it right, it just makes it human nature I suppose.

I think part of my job as a parent is to make sure that my actions and words always line up. Discipline is a huge area where this is very important. Say what you mean and mean what you say, then follow through. Easier said than done, I'm sure. But, won't that teach my children the value of words and actions?

One of the many thoughts running through my head this month goes along with this whole idea of matching actions and words. Normally, I would do things such as cook my husband a nice dinner, have all the laundry done, do the errands he has been meaning to do, go pick up a little "love you" card, etc. in order to SHOW him how much I love him. Right now, all I have are my words, and I pray that is enough. He is one of the greatest examples of matching your actions and words. My husband has pulled people out of ditches in a snowstorm, or been the first to an accident scene right outside our house, without even thinking twice. And when people thank him for doing things like this, he looks right at them and says "No problem, you're welcome. Just wanted to help." And, without knowing him at all, these people know he means it. You see, he does the same for me, in fact, he does ANYTHING he needs to in order to make sure I am happy. He says he loves me AND he shows he loves me, every day. I just hope that in some way I am showing him right now I love him and our family so much, that I am surrendering all control in order to give him, and us, a beautiful, healthy son, and complete our family.

So, how many times do your words and actions match up?