Summer Challenge: Contemplate the power of sweetness in conversations

By Mark Moran ('07)

At Jesse Remington High School, we understand the power of words. They have the power to heal or harm, uplift or tear down. It is therefore fitting one of our most iconic projects in project-based learning is the Maple Sugaring Project! As ambassadors for Christ we're on a mission to spread sweetness in every conversation, transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth and understanding.

An unknown author once said, "Lord, make my words as sweet as honey, for in the morning I may have to eat them." While we’re partial to pure New Hampshire maple syrup, for obvious reasons, this truth holds real life application! We're a community who understands the importance of using gentle, kind, and tactful language in every conversation. Whether it's resolving conflicts or simply enjoying a cup of coffee with a loved one, we believe that sweetness can make all the difference. Kindness and tact go a long way in conflict, and our project-based learning model requires collaboration amongst students and faculty providing ample opportunity to practice this truth. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, and sweet words can make even the most difficult conversations more palatable, or as the scriptures point out, a gentle answer can be soothing, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Our challenge for you this summer is to consider your words. Add some maple syrup to every conversation. That your words might be sweet, and effective. Softening the bitterness of the medicine we all need from time to time and bringing sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Here are a few ways you can begin to practice: Contemplate the power of sweetness in conversations. Reflect on the times when sweet words were more effective than bitter or harsh words. Commit to adding a spoonful of maple syrup to every conversation. Share your experience and insights with others around you!