The power of a word

When I'm hanging out with friends, I'm used to being around people who tease and joke with pretty sarcastic humor, all in good fun, but sometimes it cuts a little too close and actually stings a little. Sometimes, I too, get in the habit of saying things that are borderline mean when I'm trying to joke, and I'm used to receiving this kind of 'love' in return.

So it really surprised me the other day, when I was borrowing a friend's motorbike and getting ready to drive away, and he said, "You be careful!" And I said, "You mean, take care of your precious bike"? And he said surprisedly, "No! I mean, take care of your precious Life!"

I was kind of dumbstruck. I, swallowed hard, put on my helmet (which I don't always bother to wear, but felt the strange pull to wear it today), and slowly drove away. It may have been a simple thing for him to say, and he may not have given it a second thought afterwards. But it stuck with me and left me with something to think about the rest of the ride. His words, in contrast to the biting answer I was expecting, kinda blew me away.

I don't think anyone has ever said that to me before...

Yes, sure, I've heard that all our lives are precious to God, and even told it to other people. But maybe I didn't really understand that it applied to me, until someone spoke those words to me.

I thought about this fact,
someone thinks my life is precious...
and that I should take care of it....

It hit me deeply. As I drove down the highway, tears rained down my face. I know I have a bit of a broken self image, which is taking a lifetime to heal, but if someone else believes my life is precious enough to take care of... maybe I should believe it too.