January 24, Proverbs16:23-24

Grandma Peggy was feeling sad and lonely. She has just returned home from the void deck of her apartment block where she had a chit chat with a few other grandmothers. She heard how Grandma Jasmine was called a stupid and useless old woman by her ungrateful grandson and she felt really sad. Such unpleasant terms hurt Grandma Peggy just as much because Grandma Jasmine was a close friend of hers.

Suddenly, the door bell rang. Grandma Peggy then slowly peeped through the peephole on the door before she reached for her keys. Then she heard her granddaughter, Elaine, calling out, “How are you today, Grandma? I came by today to give you a surprise. See, I brought you your favourite longans?” Her loneliness and sadness became history as soon as she heard Elaine’s pleasant voice.

“Thank you Grandma. The advice you gave me last week helped me a lot. I didn’t feel so bad anymore. I thank God for you everyday.” Elaine was always grateful to God and her grandma.

“Grandma, how did you keep the floor so clean? “ Elaine never failed to praise Grandma for her effort. It was not an easy task to mop the floor. “Is your back feeling better? I can give you a massage.” Elaine was always caring. She wanted Grandma to be comfortable.

Grandma started smiling as soon as Elaine spoke to her. Elaine’s words were sufficient to cheer her up. Grandma knew how much Elaine truly loves and cares for her. Her words were like candies and medicine to her. Just like Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Grandma prayed and thanked God for Elaine everyday.

What can you say to cheer Mom or Dad up when they are sick or tired?

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Thought: May I bring smiles with my words!

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please give me the wisdom to use pleasant words of healing and love so that what comes out of my mouth will bring joy to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.