The Journey

My five-year-old brought home a wonderful question from her pre-K class that has really become quite useful in our everyday lives.  I have even applied it in my spiritual life as well as in making some major, life-decisions.  The question, "Is that helpful or hurtful?"  Usually, when applied at our house, the question applies more to what is coming out of our mouths than our actions--what is being said seems to cause a lot more damage than what is being done.  Bad behavior inevitably begins with unkind, sassy, harmful words.  So, I've been reflecting on my conversations with everyone--my kids, my family, my friends, acquaintances, strangers and so on.  I must admit, I am guilty of not thinking before I speak.  Throughout the Bible, there are multiple references to idle words.  That is, unproductive, inactive, of no real worth, importance, or  significance, as defined by Dictionary.com .    One Biblical passage I found intriguing, Isaiah 58:13-14, makes mention of