“Let me learn to keep peace with silence when it is not the right time to say what comes to mind.”

I read this anonymous quote a few days ago. I could say that it’s timely for me considering some of the situations I’ve been facing lately, but it’s timeless for me. I just haven’t always been mature or wise enough to heed its suggestion.

Don’t get me wrong–I’m perfectly willing to stand up for myself and for what I believe in and verbalize that if necessary. I have countless friends, family members, and coworkers who will vouch for that. At the same time, the past few years have softened me and led me to let go of my need to be the vigilante of every single cause. I’ve learned to ask myself, “how important is it?” I’ve learned how to mind my own business and how to stand up for myself when necessary and how to let other people fight their own battles. And while I’ve never been one to shoot off at the mouth much, I’ve often used words manipulatively, carefully, pulling out just the right word at the right time to hopefully twist your feelings in just the right way. I’ve stopped playing games. For the most part, I say what I mean, mean what I say, and don’t say it mean.

And sometimes, the right thing to say is nothing.

Right now is one of those moments. I could go on and on, describing three or four situations to you, rallying my troops, getting you on my side, making you feel REALLY sorry for me, and possibly prompting at least a few of you to bring me Coldstone cake batter ice cream for dessert tonight.

But the right thing to say right now is nothing. Because it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks. It’s what me and God know.