This morning something so simple, yet so profound was taught to me by Sophia, just 3 years old. She asked me for a piece of toast. Nothing unusual about that as she always asks for toast at some point in the morning. Yet this morning was different. Upon giving it to her, she exclaimed, “Wow!!! What a beautiful toast you made me!!!” She said it with such gusto, such appreciation, such sincerity. It touched me deeply that she appreciated the simple act of “toast”.
It has gotten me to thinking…
Words. They can be so powerful, can’t they? We speak them so freely, all day long. Often without thinking. It made me think of the Scripture:
“The tongue has the power of life & death; and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
I have wondered this morning…am I speaking words that encourage & affirm others? What would happen if I would think about what I was going to speak out before I actually said it? What kind of words do I speak all day? Are they words that bring life? “Life” means that they are words that are fresh, bringing refreshment much like cold running water refreshes our thirst, words that remain alive in our memory bringing about vitality rather than draining us of energy & productivity. Or are they words that bring “death” meaning destruction. Our words can bring about the destruction of many a relationship if we are not mindful.
Notice we are going to eat the fruit of our words. That made me question, what kind of fruit do I want to eat? The choice is mine. Some hard pondering this morning but I know that I want to speak words of life & I want to eat some good fruit.
“From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things.” Proverbs 13:2
So let’s get to speaking words of life & eating some good fruit!!! It will bless others but more so, we will bring honor & delight to our God. I know I have been challenged today!!!
