March Madness


When one thinks of the term "March Madness" it is usually in conjunction with the Big 
Ten or the SEC or a championship of some sort—it is in terms of basketball.

But the term came to mind recently in an entirely different context.  It was in the grocery 
store when a dad was observed destroying a child's self-image.  The small child was 
whining, as small children are sometimes prone to do.  The first notice of the family was 
taken from an aisle away as the dad yelled at the child to "shut up or I'll knock your 
head off."   

Upon walking around the end of the aisle in concern, a middle-aged man was observed, 
accompanied by a toddler, another child perhaps age five, and an older lady.  The man 
was hurriedly and roughly moving the group around, quickly throwing items into the 
grocery cart seemingly at random, loudly demanding the family's preferences, and at 
the same time disregarding any response made.  As each question was asked 
concerning their preferences, the reaction varied among the group.  The older lady, 
perhaps a grandmother, seemed cowered in fear, responding in mumbles.  Most of her 
efforts were directed at trying to hush the whining child.  She seemed to be trying to 
keep the child from offending the dad—if the child was quiet, perhaps he would not be 
noticed…..and yelled at. The older child had apparently already learned that lesson.  He 
was very quiet, lingering in the background.

Tragic madness!   It was a heartbreaking reminder of the impact each person can have 
upon the life of another.  We can choose to make a day or break a day.  More 
importantly, we can choose to make a life or break a life!   Listen to words from the 
wise:

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Ecclesiastes 9:17

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.
Thessalonians 5:11

How's your March?  What impact have you had today?   Did you drag someone down 
with discouraging madness or did you energize and encourage?   Have your words 
brought hurt and despair or did they brighten and make better?  What awesome power, 
what incredible responsibility—to be able to lend direction to another's life.  Lives are 
fragile, especially young lives; whether in word or deed, handle with care!