Consider the I Love Lucy episode where Lucy tried to teach her husband the different pronunciations to the following words;
Tough
Dough
Through
This language lesson nearly cost them their television marriage and provided laughs for those that have struggled with syntax, pronunciation and parts of speech.
This morning I was thinking about two simple suffixes that make a huge difference.
The first suffix is "-ed" and the second suffix is "-ing"
Here are some examples of the same word with each of the suffixes.
Lived or Living...there is a big difference between the two of these...One is on a gravestone the other isn't. We have a choice...Enough said.
Loved or Loving....there is a big difference between the two of these...Our families, friends and colleagues know which is which in our lives even though we may not. Ouch!
Served or Serving...there is a big difference between the two of these...watch the next time people get together for conversation and a meal. I like to be served, but that is upside down when I consider His call.
Saved or Saving....there is a big difference between the two of these...I know a lot of the first and I am seeing a lot of the second who authentically live out their faith commitments. I used to say, "I am saved,""saved." more and more I am convinced that I am being
There a thousand other words whose meanings change when different suffixes are added.
"-ed" indicates past tense and "-ing" means progressive or continuous action.
What would happen if our lives were "progressive" and lives of "continuous action" rather than lived in the "-ed" of past tense?
Consider words that describe your life and ask if they have a "-ed" or "-ing" suffix. It is never to late to make your life an "-ing" life in a world that values and treasures "-ed."
I am head-"ing" out to face the world...I am keeping my eyes open for "-ing" experiences!
1 comment:
Thought provoking. Good stuff.
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