On Speaking Clearly

Some of you know this about me: I typically spend some part of Mondays at Martin's Supermarket Side Door Deli.  From my table in the 2nd level dining area I can see people come and go, talk with folks, having meetings, prep for Wednesday and Sunday, and on a day like today watch a nice storm roll in.  There are other perks - wireless internet, greater visibility in the community than when I am shut away in my study in my house, one of the best salad bars I've seen, a Starbucks coffee, and muffins.  I'm a sucker for the muffins.  The standing deal is that if you stop by and see me, I'll get you a coffee or muffin.
Which brings me to the subject of speaking clearly.  You may have noticed some ambiguity in the title of this post.  It could be about enunciating words distinctly.  Or it could be about speaking in such a way that the meaning is clear.  It is the latter that I am thinking of.  In talking with people I have often said something like "On Mondays, I work over at Martins."  Or before Martin's came to town, it was Courthouse Coffee.  I have found out that more than one person has taken that to mean that I was actually employed by Martin's Supermarket (or Courthouse Coffee) and was working a 2nd job there.  That is not what I meant.  I meant that I pack up my laptop, some books, notes, etc. and do church planting work from a table in Martin's instead of at my desk in my study.  Imagine some of our church folks trying to figure out why I was working a second job!
All this to say that it is important to speak clearly; I mean it is important to make your meaning plain when you speak.  That's true whether your a preacher, a parent, or a Martin's employee.  So stop by and see me some Monday.  Just don't expect to find me behind the counter.   

Martin's muffin. Mmmmm.