Voice Lessons

I overheard a conversation at work a couple of weeks ago. Rather, I overheard a tone...you know the one. It's the one from which you hear snatches such as these: "And can you believe...[murmur, murmur, murmur, tsk!]. Well I never! [low tones, low tones..... build....and] REALLY! And did you know she... [secret, secret, eye roll]. I know I would never... [condemn condemn condemn]." It's not the kind of conversation in which you expect to hear a person's highest points acclaimed. I thought at that moment that if I could work out a way to never again hear my voice use those tones in that order, I would somehow have broken the mold. Along with all of the beauty and grace and gentleness associated with womanhood, there is also the gossip and the nag. This frustrates me.

Last week I was in a place of worship. It was clean and beautiful and the people inside were dressed simply and beautifully. As I sat pondering, I decided to tune into tone again. I listened to these tones in comparison to the tones I'd heard before. They were different. They were subdued and gentle. Because there was very little talking at all, the talking that was done was important. Couples and families and loved ones spoke of that which was most important and uplifting. They were likely speaking of children they loved, close ones they worried for, and love they shared. They were talking with the intent to help and hope for and heal, not disgrace or put down.

In the places I feel most peace, I hear the tones described in the second paragraph of this blog. It is a goal of mine to create that same tone for my home and all places over which I have any influence. Wish me luck!