Punctuation: useful, confusing, important, and necessary!?
Definition: the practice or system of using certain conventional marks or characters in writing or printing in order to separate elements and make the meaning clear, as in ending a sentence or separating clauses.
So punctuation adds clarity to the written word and helps ensure what is meant to be said is. I get this as I spend a considerable amount of time writing. I know what I want to say, and I use punctuation to make sure anyone who might read it knows clearly what I mean. How we say something can be impactful, but it is impossible to see that “how” on a page of paper.
But does “how” we say and/or act always get across what we mean to say clearly? Have you ever said:”But that is not what I meant”? If you have then you probably get this. Know any fast talkers? Or do you text much? Emotions and what you meant “exactly” are hard to convey when you are in a hurry or have limited characters you can use. Punctuation helps.
How do we live out our lives as believers? As followers of Christ? Is your Christian walk defined by a question mark (Christian?), or an exclamation point (Christian!), a comma saying wait (Christian,), an ellipses suggesting something is missing (Christian…). Maybe it is the colon like there's an explanation coming (Christian:). Ultimately, what is being a Christian all about to you – what is your “asperand” (@)= what are you living for?
Look at all the parenthetical examples and ask yourself this: “When someone watches me they would say I am a Christian(? ! , … :) living for what? (your @).” How do you want this question answered about you?
In His service,
Pastor Pat
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