|
Over the years I have learned what harm can come fromgossip（闲谈，流言）or just talking about other people. In my work place, gossip is a big problem, which is heightened by a couple of women who actually feel the need to stretch and twist certain bits of information, simplyfor the sake of（为了）turning staff against each other. Having been on the receiving end of their back stabbing, I have become very aware of what I say and to whom. I have prayed to God for help in being straightforward with people, and not say anything that might get back to someone who could be hurt by my words. One night, I was on the phone with my sister-in-law, Dawn. I had called her to let her know our husbands would have to work very late that Saturday night due to some machinery problems. She was carrying on about not getting anything done that day since they were due to move out of their apartment by that next Friday. I mentioned that sixteen hours at time-and-a-half pay would certainly make up for it. She was OK with that, but said it would not make much difference when they had to pay the whole next month's rent if they were not out by the end of the week. I acknowledged her point, but figured either way; they wouldn't really be out any expected money. The next day, while my husband, Arlo, was helping his brother move, my dad called hoping to alsoenlist（支持，从军）Arlo's help. I have 3-way calling on our phone, so I clicked over and called my brother-in-law's house, leaving a message on the answering machine for Arlo to call my dad when he could. | 
