Week of Wise Words

Without Preaching

“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.” – Mother Theresa

Frequently I find myself preaching to my students the values and lessons that are glaringly missing from their life experiences.

After my mini life-lessons, I often wonder if it was my place to say those words. Then I remind myself that no one else had taught it to them thus far, so I was probably called to preach that particular lesson. Then I have to ask myself, “Do I want to be a preacher?”

“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.”

Daily I try to fill my actions with the love and joy I feel toward teaching and being a mom/wife/daughter/friend/local-crazy-person. Hopefully this joy I feel for those in my daily encounters translates to messages of compassion and caring. So I guess in some ways I am willing to be a preacher.

“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.”

Not every moment can be filled with joy. The moments we find ourselves without joy are learning opportunities.

Seek out those who are experiencing joy and learn from their positive preaching. Watch their glow of giddiness and follow their sermon of smiles. You will find your depth of understanding has grown and your ability to share those laughable and loving lessons much enhanced.

Direct your energy toward being one of those positive preachers and you will find the ministry of your intents serving all those you encounter.

By: Melanie A. Peters