Groundhog Day. For some reason, I have always enjoyed reading about Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow predicting methods. Now trust me, I know there is no way the furry rodent, similar to the ones living under my shed, can accurately tell us how many more weeks of winter we shall have to enjoy or endure. But it is amusing to me to watch and read about him every year.

My family and I have been tweeting about snow and the  lack of snow days. Then we began tweeting about Phil and his prediction – there would indeed be 6 more weeks of winter….

	Joanne Viola (@JViola79)
2/2/14, 7:56 AM Phil says 6 more wks. of what has already seemed like a long winter. There better be a snow day in there 🙂 #GroundhogDay

Crazy Phil and his shadow brought hope. Hope of a longing which had gone unfulfilled up to this point. But now, hope had sprung alive. As silly as it sounds, it was hope of a snow day. But in reality, it was hope for an unexpected day of rest. Our silly and fun-loving tweeting made me realize this about our words:

1. They can pick us up. When we are weighed down with worry, our words can be a “pick-me-up”. “Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.” (Proverbs 12:25, MSG).
2. They can heal. Words can be cutting or healing. “Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.” (Proverbs 12:18, MSG).
3. They can energize. “Gracious speech is like clover honey – good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.” (Proverbs 16:24, MSG).
4. They are cherished. “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” (Proverbs 25:11, NLT). Our words can be a well-timed word to others in their time of need.

Groundhog Day is just a fun and humorous way for me to anticipate the arrival of spring. This year, the sight of the furry creature actually caused me to think about the words I speak or write or tweet to others. But more importantly, Phil reminded me of the One, the Only One whose words are true and provide me all that I need each day ….

Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (Proverbs 30:5, NLT)

Today I am linking with …. Tell His Story and Three Word Wed. and Imperfect Prose and  A Little R & R and Whimsical Wed. and Works For Me and Wedded Wed. and Wholehearted Wed. and Wordless Wed. and Wed. Prayer Girls .