Luky
With Christmas around the corner and when the older generation is anxiously awaiting the arrival of their families, quarrels are easily sparked off, sometimes by minor irritations.
We long for our families to get together again - but when they do, we tend to find that the individuals concerned have gown into different directions, have different opinions and voice them, sometimes too stridently.
This may lead to dissension or even degenerate into a road show.
At the end of the Christmas holidays when you look back at the presents, so generously and self-sacificingly purchased by the siblings for each other, you may find yourself wondering what went wrong - because you know they dearly love each other.
Some people are irritable because they may have been working a great deal of overtime in order to be able to take time off for the holidays.
The younger ones amongst them are gnawing their nails wondering if they have passed their exams and if there will be a place in the job market for them now that they are of an age and sufficiently qualified to start working.
In this climate a word that offends, even unintentionally may start an acrimonious quarrel.
Years ago a much loved colleague left our newspaper office and our editor asked each of the reporters on the staff to write one sentence in her praise.
I don't remember what I said but I really agreed when a fellow-reporter commented:
"I'll miss her most because of the way she always gave the soft answer that turneth away wrath."
No matter who you were, she gave such good example that jealousy and negativity disappeared as snow before the sun whenever you had a chat with her.
There is nothing brotherly or sisterly about being overly personal about the appearance of others.
I shudder at the way people can be put down in front of audiences.
There are more ways than one of expressing oneself.
Christianity teaches us to be mild and gentle in our speech, unless conscience dictates otherwise.
While being terse and assertive may win you kudus in the business sphere, it will do nothing to endear you to siblings whom you may not have seen since last Christmas.
So when you meet again, don't whine, don't harp, don't carp and don't criticise.
May this Christmas season be one of serenity and peace for all our families.
May we watch our speech and take care to give our visitors the love and courtesy they all deserve and desire.
Giving the soft answer is one way of making sure we'll be seeing them again.
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