Daisy

Wildfires!, by Phil Ware
2006-04-06 - 1:19 p.m.

I had just gotten back from the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. All around
the metroplex, fires had burned uncontrollably for three days. Most of
the fires had been started out of sheer carelessness. Tens of
thousands of acres went up in flames. People lost homes, livestock,
farm equipment, cars, trucks, and a lifetime of possessions and
memorabilia.

We had been on fire alert for over a month here in Texas. Imagine my
shock as I'm pulling onto the interstate highway one evening and a car
blows by me on the access road. Out of sheer habit, the passenger
tossed out a cigarette. I couldn't believe it. The cigarette sent up a
shower of glowing embers with each bounce. Each bounce brought it
closer to the dry grass on the shoulder.

How could anybody be so stupid? How could they risk disaster for so
many people with such carelessness? With all that had been on the news,
I couldn't believe anyone would still be so brazen. I slowed to make
sure the grass didn't catch fire before I made my way home.

Then it hit me. Daily we carelessly toss around inflammatory words --
thoughtless sarcasm, ugly teases, downright put down, intentional cuts,
deliberate shaming, and rash emails. These words, thoughtless or
intentional, do as much damage to the hearts of those we know as those
carelessly started wildfires.

By the time I made it home, I was no longer indignant with the careless
act of a commuter. Instead, I was convicted that I have done much the
same thing with the hearts of those I love. Words are such a precious
gift. I vowed to be more careful with the words I use. There is too
much at stake in the hearts of those I love to hurt them in needless
and careless ways.

So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts
of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a
small fire! (James 3:5-6 NAS)

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