This picture was taken from our dock and you can see all of the barnacles on the piling; the longer they are allowed to grow, the greater their adhesion.  We have to remove them from the boats because they will slow us down and cost more fuel.

I think on occasion there are things in our lives that resemble barnacles, slowing us down, causing a “drag” so to speak, that can feel like a large noose around our neck.  Sometimes, these can be what the bible describes as hindrances, weights, or besetting sins.  At other times, it’s just something that shouldn’t be a priority in our life, but we’ve fallen into bad habits, or we know something is bugging us, but it’s in our power to rectify it (this one is often one of my issues due to procrastination) and we haven’t.

If your goal is like mine, to live…

I am enchanted by words.  I always have been.  Words allow us to express our innermost thoughts in written and oral form.   They are bountiful and can be captivating, refreshing and motivating and without them we would feel frustrated when trying to make a point.

Words can nurture or destroy, hurt or heal, soothe or stab, wound or caress, tear down or buildup and curse or praise.  They can spew forth venom or honey, love or hate, admiration or disgust, lies or truth.

We forget their magnificent power and influence.  I’ve been contemplating that power this week, keeping my eyes open for illustrations and proofs of that power.  We truly wield a mighty weapon or a gentle touch depending on our use of them.  Words last….once spoken they aren’t easily forgotten.

Sadly, I watched stricken faces, fear, tears of hurt, heads hung low and shoulders slumped due to mere utterances.