It's All in How You Say It

It really is.  I had this reinforced today at a meeting at work (I know, you're thinking "will she shut up about work already").  We were looking at a spreadsheet about who knows kind of financial metrics - is that really a word? - for our somewhat recently joined-on-paper office of Cleveland/Akron.  One column was simply headed "CT" and nobody knew what it stood for.  I suggested contract type...turns out I was right, and even though I was actually guessing, it sounded like I knew what I was talking about, so go figure.

This same principle applies to babies and dogs.  It's all in the tone of voice.  When your 3-month-old has been screaming nonstop for an hour, you can look at him and say, in a sing-song voice, "If you don't shut up real soon, I'm going to poke my eardrums out with kabob skewers" and he has no clue you are exhausted, frustrated, and contemplating exactly what you suggested.  Dogs are the same way, but they just cock their heads to the side as if they didn't quite hear right.

Once the kids are older, that tactic doesn't work so well.  If you and the school system have done their job right, kids develop this thing called a vocabulary, as well as a sense of perspective, and skepticism, so they generally know exactly how you feel and how far you'll really go.  They also become deaf to most vibratory frequencies associated with adult voices, although a firm tone of voice (read: screeching full name, including middle) can occasionally get a reaction out of them.  Or a whisper from two rooms away suggesting pizza for dinner or a trip to anywhere fun.

I'm learning to believe this also works in my conversations with God.  It's not about what you're praying for, it's in how you pray it.  Do you truly believe that God will give what you're asking for?  Have you studied on His word and feel confident that your prayer is in line with His plan?  Yes, you need to be sure to ask if it's in His will, but if you've done your homework and trust that He will always answer you, then you can be sure that He will see to all your needs.