11The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
If there was ever a saying that was true for political leaders, this is it! But political leaders are not the only ones who tend to talk too much and listen too little. I remember when I was a small kid that I sometimes had something important to say, but could not find someone to listen. I also remember times when I just wanted to talk, even thought what I had to say was not very important. I tend to talk less these days than I did when I was young. I tend to measure my words, choosing them with greater care. Part of that is the discipline of writing every day. Part of that is connected to my profession as a listener. Part of it comes from the realization that the fewer words I use, the more people listen. (Some people would probably want me to shut up completely!) Remember, the author of these words is focusing on the meaning of life, life confined to this world as opposed to eternity. Do our words really add much meaning to our existence here? Some words do, like “I love you. I’ll be here for you. You are important to me. You can count on me.” But many of the words we speak really don’t add value to life and love here. They are just sound waves bouncing and dissipating. The cheers at a football game, one without our child running on the field, probably are not very important words. What makes words valuable is their connection to eternity. Are the words I am speaking today calling myself and others into a more intimate relationship here with others and with the God of eternity? Or are they just filling space?
The Arnold Journey 