JANUARY 13, Psalm 19:14

BANG! The door slammed behind Bee Hoon. Mother sighed. “It seems like she is often angry of late,” she said. “The house is peaceful until she comes home. In five minutes she can have Jeremy crying, and me upset.”

Dad folded the newspaper. “Part of being a teenager, maybe?”

Mother shrugged. “Maybe,” she said, “but we can’t live with this for very long. Bee Hoon has to learn to control herself.”

Just then five-year-old Jeremy burst into the kitchen. “Sister threw my markers on the floor and called me a brat!” he said with a sob. Mother gave a tired sigh. “I will talk with her, Jeremy,” she promised. “Would you like to watch for Uncle John? He is coming for dinner. He will be here any minute.”

“Uncle John is coming? Oh, goody!” Jeremy went jumping down the hall, his problems forgotten. During dinner, everyone – even Bee Hoon – laughed and talked and listened. “I am so glad you are here, Uncle John,” said Bee Hoon with a smile. “You make us all feel so good.”

“That is because he says funny, happy things,” stated Jeremy.

The elderly gentleman winked at the little boy.“Let’s have a little quiz.

Tell me – how did God create the world?”Bee Hoon answered quickly .“God just spoke, and whatever He said should be there, was there.”

Uncle John nodded. “Right. Hebrews 11:3 says that the worlds were formed by the word of God. Now here is something interesting to think about. God has given us the ability to create things with our words, too. We can create happiness or gloom.”

“Bee Hoon makes storms with her words,” Jeremy declared, “but you make sunshine, Uncle John. That is why we like you to come to our house.”

For once, Bee Hoon did not argue.

Thought: How does the way you speak make others feel? Are people glad to see you come?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to use my words wisely to bring happiness and joy, so to be a blessing to others, and to live as an obedient child who reflects the joy of the Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.