Friday, April 08, 2011

The comfort of written words.

Words come easily to me.

Well, written words come easily to me. Spoken words are a different story.

Spoken words don't allow me as much time to pause and consider. To think through or take back. I often find that I forgot half or more of what I'd planned to say and things don't always seem to come out as I wish they had.

I spend too much energy thinking of things I said after the fact, in the same way that I weigh my written words, I weigh my spoken words - but before and after they are spoken. In the moments, I don't remember those thoughts as quickly as I would like.

But, written words are a comfort to me. I love to re-read meaningful cards, books and verses. Writing down my thoughts and prayers is a huge source of blessing to me.

And, to say that I am more comfortable writing something than saying something would be 100% accurate. I'd much rather write a letter than make a phone call.

So, in the midst of knowing these things about myself - I ask God to keep me real. That I would be true to who He made me to be whether in written word or spoken word.

The deepest thoughts of my heart though - those come out in writing. And, in those moments I am so grateful for the comfort of written words.

Are you a written word or a spoken word kind of person?

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a "written word" gal, too. I often get very nervous speaking to adults, especially groups. I feel as if I am tongue tied. I have no difficulty teaching children at church, and know, because of the peace I have in this ministry, it is where God wants me to be. I, too, like to write, and edit often, to perfect each sentence.

I consider sending notes, cards, and letters a ministry as well. I can't count the number of times I've been told "Thank You for what you wrote to me. "

Monica, this is a lost art which needs to be taught to children. In this era of text messages and abbreviating our language, I believe the "ancient paths" need to be traveled more often!

Hmmm, I feel a post coming on...LOL

Wendi said...

Written words for sure. I am a quiet person and the thought of going somewhere and having to make small talk makes me cringe.

Mary Ann said...

Written! Although I analyze what I write as much as what I said.:-)

Amy said...

Written for sure!

Jenny Lynn said...

Written words speak to me. Guess that is why I love to read inspiring blogs. I tend to stay away from things that are negative.

angie said...

Add me to the group who absolutely prefer written words. It is not that I have a fear of speaking publicly, but it is the small group conversations that get me. I always walk away wondering if I was good listener or a conversation dominator. Also, I can say things quickly without thinking about how those words would impact the receiver. In fact, I need to make a phone call to my dad today to apologize for my abruptness on the phone last night!

Melanie said...

Definitely written! I agree with you that I would rather write a letter than make a phone call.

Anonymous said...

I'm probably better at the spoken word. So much of what I try to communicate is done through facial expression and tone of voice and that is very difficult to convert to written words.

asnipofgoodness said...

Writing is ALWAYS easier, the delete button, and eraser, are my friends. I regret so much of what I say, and worry that it was taken differently then it was meant, and even sometimes just plain "ugly" escapes, and I wish I could take it back. Written word gals unit!

Carmen at Old House Homestead said...

Definitely more of a written word kind of gal. I'm told my writing is fun and witty. I only wish I were that way in real life. Friends tell me I am, but I don't see it. Thankful for friends who love you no matter what!

Carmen
Old House Kitchen

Melissa said...

Written. I thought I was reading my biography when I read your post. Ack! I always replay conversations in my mind...I forgot this, I forgot that. Writing gives me time to carefully choose my words.

I could sit for hours reading old cards and notes. They make me smile!

Sarah @ In Pleasant Places said...

I am definately a written word kinda girl!

Sarah said...

I don't usually comment, but thought I should start since I often read your blog... I'm definitely a written word girl. I tend to be like you - to really think through what my spoken words before and after saying them (which can be good and bad since I often second guess what I said or feel badly that I didn't communicate something as well as I wanted to, etc). I much prefer to write out my thoughts than try to express them in speech! I live in a Spanish speaking country so now I have the challenge of not just having it be hard to express myself speaking, but needing to express myself speaking in another language!

Anonymous said...

Oh I have a love affair with the written word too Monica; the lost art of a note in the mailbox has become a little ministry of mine. In this busy, hustle/bustle it would do us well to take the time to write a thought not only for ourselves, but, there's a certain joy in knowing that someone has a smile coming their way when the mailman knocks at their door....words on a page have such a power to comfort, cheer, hug, reassure - all for the price of a little time and a stamp. Perhaps a little sidestep to your question Monica, but, -- just wanted to participate in your post tonight. As always, you capture 'lovely' with your own written conversations here.....never fails to put me in a place of gentle thought Monica.

God Bless,
Barbra.

Rebecca said...

written words, hands down!

Davonne said...

My girls received their package from you in the mail today and were SO excited. Thank you so much!! Photo here:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6503118&l=e3c1f36921&id=504619031

And I like a combination of written/spoken words myself :)

Elaine said...

Count me into the 'written word' group! While I speak and teach on occasion and love to meet with friends, I can so relate to the comments posted. There is no correction fluid, cross out or delete button for a misspoken thought.
I treasure the gift of written words from a friend. Having lost the dearest friend to the arms of Jesus this week, I am grateful for the notes she sent me through the years. They will cheer me in the days ahead as I will again hear her voice.
Blessings,
Elaine

Betsy said...

Oh, Monica! This post resonated so much with me right now (as do many of your posts). I am in a season of relative quiet (as quiet as it can be in our homeschooling home of four children!)- our foster baby of four months has just been adopted and I am spending time with my mother who is in the hospital. What do I grab first when I know I am going to have time on my hands. My Bible, books and a journal. I, too, am a written word person!

I mailed your sweet mom's nest swap package Friday. I had so much fun putting it together!

Kendra Fletcher said...

I'm with you, Monica. I am not quick on my feet and I often rehash conversations and what I should have said. Wish I could be more eloquent.

Anna said...

I once WROTE in an email, "When I write I hear my voice, when I speak I have no idea who's talking!"

Mom said...

Great post, Monica! :) I'm in the "written word" group as well -- I haven't wanted to "take back" nearly as many written words as I have spoken words. Writing provides time to think about what I want to say and change it as needed before sharing.

Your written words have very often blessed me, going way back to your childhood. I have a stash of notes that you and Carrie wrote me over the years -- some I found on my pillow, some I've received in the mail, and some I've printed from e-mails you've sent. :)

Please keep the comfort of your written words coming! Love, Mom