day 261: First-Aid

I forget what year it was, but sometime in the 90’s, it became mandatory in some places to have First-Aid kits available throughout the workplace. I remember approving the costs of those for every break room. It was expensive and also a new responsibility for someone to keep them stocked with fresh supplies. I’m not sure they got used for more than the aspirin and Tylenols, but they had all the supplies needed for the common office workplace injuries. As I write this, your mind is likely thinking of the one workplace injury we have all gotten at one time or another; a paper cut. I’ve always wondered how it is that a paper cut, such a small thing, can hurt so much. But, man can they hurt and they always get you when you least expect them. Ouch! Yes, those first-aid kits then come in handy for the needed band-aid. Many jobs have much more dangerous aspects, so I don’t want to make light of the need to work safely in all that we do. One injury that we don’t talk much about at work is the harm that is done with the cutting words that come from our mouths. We hear those words every day and many times we are the recipients of those cuts ourselves. Like that nasty paper cut, they can come out of nowhere but when words cut, they cut deeply and can hang around for a ling time; as long as our memories allow. We are taught in Proverbs 12:18 that; “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing”. This is a very important verse for those of us working to our purpose and walking in the example of our Lord. It is obvious that we are not to be the ones who deliver the cutting words. It is less obvious, but there that we are to be ones with wide words that can heal others. How we do this depends on our being tuned to the needs, emotions, hurts and pains of others. If we go about our work in a sterile way without care or compassion, we will never be where we need to be with words that can heal. It is our challenge to be in touch with others so we can be there for them when they are in need. Today, take a look around you as you work with others. Who is hurting? Who just got cut down? Who needs your words of healing and direction to lift them back up? When you recognize them, reach out and bring them some of the first-aid that they need.

Reference: Proverbs 12:18 (New Living Testament)