Words of Grace

Aunt DonnaBell taught grade school in the 1960’s. In 1963 she was teaching 4th grade – the same grade I was in at the time but in another school. She was always interested in knowing what my class was doing for projects; hoping for inspiration, I’m sure. One evening when they were visiting, she asked her usual question. I ran to get the poem I had written and illustrated. It would be going to the Pierce County Fair to be judged. She smiled at the picture and then read the poem. I have never forgotten what she said.

“This is wonderful. I wish my 4th graders could write like this.” My head swelled. Coming from a schoolteacher that wasn’t necessarily inclined to compliment, this meant something extrodinaire to a nine year old. I never forgot the compliment nor did I forget writing. My words march on!

In was during those same grade school years that Grandpa and I were fishing buddies. He often drove out from their retirement home in Norfolk, NE with a coffee can full of worms and his green fishing box. I would grab my cane pole and off we’d go to the Elkhorn River that ran through our property. The first time I caught a nice sized bullhead, Grandpa showered me with praise.

“Well…look at you! Now, that’s a beauty.” He patted me on the back and continued to compliment me as he took it off the hook and placed it on the stringer. To this day, fishing is one of my favorite leisure activities.

A few years later in life, my mom worked at the airport as a weather observer. I was a small, timid, and insecure high school student by this time. Mom invited a new employee and his wife to dinner. His name I’ve forgotten, but her name was Mary. It has stuck all these years because she said something that impacted me greatly. My olive colored skin was deeply tanned from the hayfields and I was wearing my best color – royal blue.

“DeLila has a natural charm and is a beautiful young lady,” she said to my mom. I looked at myself a bit differently after that; my self-respect and confidence continued to grow after that comment.

I bet each of you can think of kind words that were spoken to you years ago that helped shape who you are, as well.

Words contain power that we seldom think about – both good and bad. Ephesians 4:29 in TPT sums it up like this: Never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.

Each of these people I shared with you, gave me beautiful gifts and words of grace that encouraged me for a lifetime. Hopefully, there will be those that say the same about us.

Until next time – keep on readin’ and I’ll keep on writin’.

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