On Monday morning, I cleared the warning to see my miles until empty (another thing I had to do before ballet rehearsal). When I arrived at the tire place, instead of seeing a tire pressure of 27 in the offending tire, it said 12! Sure enough, there was something in the tire.

A bolt like this one is an important tool when securely fastened. When it comes loose, it becomes a source of danger. Our words are much like this little bolt. In James 3:9, we read, “With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” The passage continues, saying, “This should not be.” Proverbs 18 tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Sadly, we’re often careless with our words, letting them fall where they may, causing harm.

Jesus warned the crowd, specifically the Pharisees, saying, “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Our words make an impact on others. How often have you been discouraged by a negative comment, reassured by a kind word, or uplifted by a compliment? Words have power! (For further study, read Hebrews 10:24–25, Romans 15:2, and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.)

Don’t be a bolt in the road! Be the bolt that connects securely! Check yourself regularly. Are you encouraging? Are you considerate of others with your words? Do you strive to build others up? Or are you careless with your words, speaking before thinking?

I’m happy to report that the tire was easily and quickly patched, inflated, and back on the road. Little things make a big impact, whether it is a bolt in your tire or a thoughtless word. I cannot control the debris in the road, but I can control my words.

Instead, she said, “I kicked my flip-flop over the fence.”

She was almost in tears as she said it, but I couldn’t hold in my laughter. I asked what happened. She told me that she got mad at her brother for saying that they needed goals while kicking the ball, and she didn’t want to play that way. She kicked the ball in anger and lost her flip-flop in the process.

After she took a deep breath and calmed down, I sent them next door to see if anyone could retrieve the flip-flop. The kids came in saying no one was home next door. I sat with my daughter and told her we would try again later. Then we talked about the result of reacting in anger. I also told her she ought to wear real shoes to kick a ball.

This situation led me to think about all the times I’ve overreacted and all the ways I’ve learned to control my reactions and respond in more productive ways. I have years of experience to share with my children when they struggle with big emotions. So often the temptation to react to a situation only leads to more problems. Take a breath, evaluate the problem, and form a solution.

As I started supper, I sent her brother next door again, and the flip-flop was recovered. The neighbor also laughed. Once the problem was solved and the big emotions had passed, we could all laugh about the unfortunate flip-flop.

The next time you get angry, take a breath, and don’t kick your flip-flop over the fence!

Image recreated. No flip-flops were harmed in the writing of this blog.