A Bitter Brew
There’s an old saying among teachers: “There’s no tired like first day tired.” After summer break, the start of a new year brings a mountain of prep, endless meetings, and barely any time for what matters most—getting ready for our students. By the first official day, most teachers are already running on empty.
On the first day of the 2023 school year, my energy was already shot by mid-morning. I decided to treat myself to French Roast from my Keurig. There wasn’t much water left, so I topped it off and started the machine. I added half-and-half, but it just curdled on top. In a rush, I gave the cup a quick stir and hurried out to class.
It wasn’t until I took a sip that I realized something was very, very wrong. Guess I hadn’t fully rinsed out the vinegar after cleaning the coffee maker the previous day. Let’s just say, nothing jolts you awake like hot vinegar brew. The taste could turn any coffee drinker away for good. Not me, though. I ran water through the machine again and again, determined never to experience that bitterness again. Meanwhile, I downed spring water, trying to wash away the taste—and maybe the memory.
The mishap came to mind while reading James 3:11: “Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both freshwater and bitter?” It’s surprisingly easy—even for those trying to walk with Christ—to shift from praise to complaining in a heartbeat. We’ll say, “Praise God for a beautiful Sunday morning,” then grumble about all the “idiots” on the road as we drive to church.
Bitter words linger and sour our spirits long after the moment has passed. I know, because I’ve given and received enough harsh words to understand how deep they can wound.
Years ago, I realized how common negativity had become in every corner of our society. I set out to be different: to sow words that encourage, comfort, and restore. I’m still a work in progress, but the more I chose love and care in my speech, the more peace I found—not just for myself, but for everyone I encountered. The best part: kindness and compassion cost nothing, and the rewards are greater than you’d expect.
If we want to reach others for Christ, we need to show the change He’s working in us—and watching our words is a powerful start.
As Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
. . . and that’s what I know today.
