This is Larry and Ray from Men’s Shed. One suggested caption was the old joke, ‘You nod your head when you’re ready and I’ll hit it’. Another was ‘Must get Larry a bigger workbench.’
I prefer it without a caption, imagining what was going on, what happened before and after, imagining their conversation.
Under this picture daughter-Jo wrote: ‘When Jo does a presentation on the book of Hosea on Zoom!’ I could ask how Jo told the story or explained the prophecies of Hosea using the assembled items. I prefer to make it up.
Saying nothing… imagination
The brand of Christianity that I’ve been brought up with and lived with has a lot to say. I’ve heard sermons, read books, joined in discussions. I was reading yesterday about church disagreements regarding gay marriage. Many words.
The Christians who have influenced me most aren’t those who have preached the best sermons or presented the best arguments, but the those who have lived a life that I can admire and copy.
Saying nothing… imitation
The old song says:
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best, when you say nothing at all.
Relationships involve words and conversations, but there is something in true friendship, something about good parenting – that smile, that touch – that’s about a deeper, more powerful silent communication of the heart.
Saying nothing… inspiration
Jesus, an innocent man on trial, chose to remain silent, rather than protest his innocence.
The Victorian writer George Eliot said: ‘Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us wordy evidence of the fact.’
I often speak without thinking, an automatic response to a person or situation. However if I’ve got nothing to say I can choose to say nothing. It may be a better option.
Saying nothing… invitation
malcolmsmusings.org 
I have yet to find an “undo” button on my words.
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I know the feeling. I seem to lose it when I least expect it.
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I’m tempted to just enjoy this post and “say nothing.” But I love this description of, ” a deeper, more powerful silent communication of the heart.” Beautiful, Malcolm!
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Good thinking, Wynne – good response! I’m still working through the power of silent communication myself.
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You are so right: the true influencers are those who live with faith and integrity, giving us a worthy example to emulate. Love that George Eliot quote also! Here’s another quote I appreciate that helps curb verbosity: “To air one’s views gratuitously is to imply that the demand for them is brisk”–William Strunk, Jr. (Ouch!)
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Excellent quote. Thanks, Nancy..
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Yes, excellent. It’s going into my daily journal–right after I share with my favorite English teacher.
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Malcolm, I’ve noticed your thoughts usually come in threes. This is much easier to digest than trying to take in 12 reasons why I should do something. Less is often more—especially with words. I’m thinking now about the best teacher I had in high school. He led and taught us 100% by example. Funny, I don’t remember him ever sending anyone to the principal’s (headmaster’s) office.
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Thanks, David. My brain can only focus on a few things at a time,
Whatever power words have, there is more to influence and communication than words alone.
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The Eliot quote is superb-a good lesson to learn. 🙂
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She certainly makes the pont very clearly!
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