It was one of those “Oh, no” moments. While picking up a dozen eggs I dropped the container before getting it into the basket. There it was; six of the twelve eggs broken on the floor. I felt like I was one of the “king’s horses or king’s men” not able to put “Humpty Dumpty” back together again. How many times in life I have tried to fix the things I have broken. Some things I can fix. But, eggs and often relationships with others, can never be repaired no matter how often I apologize. There is an old saying that is so true, “You can’t unring a bell.” Once the words are spoken people, unlike God, remember what we said. They can forgive but the relationship is never quite the same. The bloom is off the rose.
Sometimes in the heat of an argument we are tempted to call someone a not very nice name. Don’t do it. If we feel ourselves losing control, please, retreat until we can govern our words. If we are in a car and can’t get away, just say nothing. I realize there is a school of thought that says. “Let it out,” it will take off the pressure. That is bad advice. You cannot unring the bell. It is time for some serious silent prayer. He is able. We just have to be open for Him to take over.
Humpty Dumpty isn’t just for children. It is very much for us at any age. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men” can’t put the pieces back without cracks and scars. In James 3 we read, “No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” We can’t but God can and will help.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 25, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org