The branches had mightily grown over the years, peering over the wall from my neighbor’s trees, and had encroached on the roof and gutters of my home. I asked my neighbor for permission to cut some of the branches and she consented.
With the help of my friend who stood fearlessly on his scaffold, the branches tumbled down and invaded the grass completely like a band of locusts that could cover up the skies. In less than 10 minutes the chain saw cutting was complete, but the cleaning was to follow.
We’d finish filling a bin, and start on another. Surely this was not taking over three hours, but the sun’s heat got stronger while the pile of work seemed to get larger. The grass was saturated with leaves, twigs, and berries, while gloved hands were used like rakes as large twigs were scooped, stripped bare, and tossed.
Cutting seemed so simple, yet the cleaning seemed so tedious. It’s strange that the whole event reminded me of words that are spoken. Offered in split seconds, words have the potential to tear, demean and slash, delivered with chain saw like power. We seem to applaud people who are shrewd and quick with their words, yet to dissect it may simply reveal a cloth of sarcasm laced with malice, envy and anger.
It’s not so much the quickness of the cut, but the berries that stain and the lost green leaves that are tossed. Words may be words, yet their harsh voice which streams from the heart, causes deep sorrow to those around us. I often wonder why some of my patients have heart problems, yet they have not smoked, nor have diabetes, nor hypertension, nor are enslaved by gluttony. Is there such a thing as a broken heart? Judging from the berries on the ground, I think there is.
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing according to Proverbs 12:18. I’d like to challenge you and me to be known as peoples, families and communities with words of kindness, compassion, truth and grace. For in the end, there will be less berries and twigs to toss in the bin.
For further information on your cardiovascular health, contact Dr. Kojoglanian at 661-259-1711 and visit drrap.com. The Mender of Hearts is located at 24868 Apple Street, Suite 103 in Santa Clarita.