Most of the time, I see life through humorous glasses. I try not to make funny comments about others but aim at myself, which takes off some of the edge. But once in a while…well, you know.

In my first church, where I served as assistant pastor and was responsible for youth ministry, I was leading the early teen group, where we were studying Jesus’ words in Luke 12. You remember that that’s where Jesus reassures us that God knows every last detail of our lives, even the exact number of hairs on our heads.

For some reason, I focus on one teen while reading what Jesus says. Her hairstyle is different. It looks a tad strange unlike any other in the group.

We read that our Savior says there’s nothing God doesn’t know, even the exact quantity of hairs on our heads. So don’t fret or fear. Trust in Jesus. He’s got it. Even the small stuff. Especially that. All was said with my trademark tinge of humor. Or so I thought. I’m so clever, aren’t I? Not always and far less than I’d hoped.

The next day this teen’s mother calls me to tell me that her daughter had a childhood disease that’s caused all her hair to fall out and never to grow back. That unstylish hairstyle was a wig. Did I know that? Obviously not. However, her Mom was not a happy camper. Rightfully so. I’m floored with embarrassment. An apology was immediately given. All was forgiven. Yet I’ve never forgotten how insensitive I can be, even in total ignorance.

We can easily stomp over other’s feelings having no idea what’s happened. I can’t count the times I’ve cracked open my big fat trap getting me into bigtime trouble. Those are the ones I’m aware of. How about the rest? Perish the thought.

This makes me think of what Jesus’ half-brother James writes–‘How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell…From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so’ (James 3: 5-6, 10). Fire…stained bodies…cursing…hell. Oy vay, I’ve been such a schmedrik and schlemiel!

These are no joking matters. So, what’s James’ point? It’s obvious, isn’t it? Watch what I say. Be sensitive. Quick to apologize. But not becoming hamstrung, overly self-conscious, yet maybe a tad more careful wouldn’t hurt. You think? Ears wide open, mouth not as much, knowing we’re human, treading where even angels don’t, making mistakes at the best of times.

Be me? To be honest, I see life through amusing and zany eyes. However, I pray for God’s sensitivity to come my way more often. To be a bit cautious. Try to check other’s reactions. And yet, cut myself some slack that, unlike God, I don’t know every last detail that will wind up hurting someone else.

This applies only to me? That would be funny if it were only true.

Thank you, Jesus, for forgiving my insensitive blabberings. Amen.