Stressful does not even begin to describe it. Another vet visit was imminent; my dog and I were not looking forward to it!

Last year, my dog was first prescribed some medication for what is looking like a long-standing skin condition. Since then I have had to ring up, email photographs of his skin so that the vet could do a diagnosis over the phone. This process was not just owing to Covid-19 precautions; it was also because my dog, my lovely, lovable rogue does not like vet visits. He gets very skittish.

After praying about the appointment for the last couple of days, we went. Just prior, I had taken some photographs of the two areas which were particularly sore just in case he would not allow the vet to examine him.

Once in the treatment room, he became agitated. However, he allowed me to hold him and the vet was able to have a good look at his skin beneath his fur. She ascertained that he would continue to need the medication and after explaining the dosage, I went again to wait in the reception area.

I must say he behaved himself very well this time considering how he could have behaved. I was pleased overall with how the visit went and when the medication was given and I paid the required amount, I drove home contented and thankful that my prayers for a good vet visit was answered.

Upon arriving home, I carried out my plan which was to give my dog a bath. He was his usual good self and after I had finished bathing him, I let him out in the garden to shake off and dry without his cone which he had been wearing to prevent him licking his sores. Big mistake!

When I let him back in to clean his paws, I noticed he was bleeding! I thought he had become injured out in the garden!

No. What had caused the bleeding, was his tongue. Not having his cone on meant that he had access to where the sore was - his tail- and had licked and licked until it was bleeding. He looked up at me with sad sorrowful eyes as I said to him, “look at what your tongue has done.” Of course his cone went promptly back on!

As I said the words, a thought came to me. The thought is this: if we are not careful, we can wound and hurt ourselves and others with our tongues. The Scriptures explores this concept and there are many passages about this very topic. Here are a few.

• I said, “I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me.” Ps 39:1 (NKJV)

• Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. Pro 21:23 (NKJV)

• A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! …This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue—it’s never been done. James 3: 3-10 (MSG)

• For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 1 Pet 3:10 (NKJV)

 Just as my dog is feeling very sorry for himself today due to his tongue and the effects that his tongue has created, so it is with us. We can and will feel extremely sorry for ourselves when the repercussions of our words are seen and felt. Why not take the advice and guidance from the Word and be mindful about our words? Who knows what damage you could prevent if only you would stop and think before uttering words.

Before you speak, why not T H I N K.

Is it…?

True

Helpful

Inspiring

Necessary

Kind

Until next time.

Love & Blessings

xx