Communication

“For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” ESV James 3:2

Do you remember the movie On Golden Pond (1981) starring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn? Well if you didn’t see it, there isn’t room here to explain it. But if you did, you’ll recall that it centered on the sometimes ornery family relationships of an aging couple. Miscommunications between the couple and their daughter, which were sometimes intentional, were also frequent and many times comical to the viewer. I guess the gaffs were humorous because they were so ordinary and easy to relate to.

I’ve never been to Golden Pond, but I have been to Little Bear Creek. And last week, down on the lake, I was reminded of just how easy it is for miscommunication to occur.

Melisa (my wife) and I were sitting on the back porch of the cabin early one morning enjoying the dawning of the day when I noticed a crane slinking along the bank in search of prey. Not wanting to startle the crane, I motioned for Melisa to be quiet; it’s amazing just how noisy Frosted Flakes can be. Anyway, we watched as the crane stealthily inched along the water’s edge until just the right moment when, all of sudden, he pecked at the water and caught a fish!

We continued to watch in silence as the crane positioned the fish just right in its beak. He would jiggle the fish around a little, clamp down on it again and rinse it in the water. He must have repeated these steps a half dozen times before he got it like he wanted it. Then, he stuck his beak into the air and swallowed the fish whole in a single gulp.

At this point I’m smiling and thinking to myself: “Alright! You go bird; breakfast!” At that same moment, Melisa, before going inside for more Frosted Flakes, mutters out loud: “Poor fish!”

Now, we had both witnessed exactly the same event. The facts of the event were indisputable. Yet, when the deed was done, we had registered completely different endings in our minds; satisfied hunter versus poor, helpless prey.

I hope this story illustrates the importance of clear, concise communication in a family; or for that matter, between friends, at work or even in the church. Even when facts are indisputable, we often register different conclusions in our mind. This is exactly why letters, emails and text messages fall short as a means of communication; they’re easily misinterpreted and oft times register unintended conclusions.

Picking up on our verse, let me encourage you to be careful and clear in your communications this week. In conversation, choose your words carefully so that you don’t stumble in what you say.

Hmmm…wonder if I should I have told Melisa about this article ahead of time?

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.