NOVEMBER 11, Ephesians 4:29

BANG! Hearing Kadie’s bedroom door slam, Mom sighed. “It seems like Kadie is angry so often lately,” she said. “The house is peaceful until she comes home. Within five minutes, she can have everybody upset-especially Jeremy. Kadie has to learn to control herself.”

“I’ll go handle it,” said Dad, folding his newspaper. As Dad left, five year-old Jeremy came into the kitchen. “I’m hungry,” he said. Mom smiled. “Dinner’s almost ready,” she replied. “Would you like to watch for Grandpa? He’s coming for dinner. He should be here any minute now.”

“Grandpa is coming? Oh, goody!” Jeremy went jumping down the hall.

During dinner, everyone - even Kadie - laughed and talked and listened to the stories and bits of news Grandpa told them. “I’m so glad you’re here, Grandpa,” said Kadie with a smile. “You make us all feel so good.” “That’s because he says funny, happy things,” stated Jeremy.

The elderly gentleman winked at the little boy. “Let’s have a little quiz. Let’s see… who knows how God created the world?” Kadie answered quickly. “God just spoke, and whatever He said should be there was there.”

Grandpa nodded. “Right. Hebrews 11:3 says the worlds were formed by the word of God,” he said. “Now… let’s see if you can answer this question. What can we create with our words?”

Kadie frowned. “Nothing!” she said. “Only God can create things.” Grandpa smiled. “Strictly speaking, you’re right. We can’t create things,” he replied, “but in a way, we can create feelings-bright, happy feelings or stormy, gloomy feelings.”

“Kadie makes black storms with her words,” Jeremy declared, “but you make sunshine, Grandpa. That’s why we like to have you come to our house.” For once, Kadie did not argue. She could not think of anything to say.

Thought: What do you “create” with your words, sunshine or storms? Are people glad to see you come? Or are they glad to see you leave?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may my speech be edifying so that it may minister grace to hearers. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.