During the early parenting years, when my children were pre-school aged, it was fascinating to see them engage in their interests. Everything for our daughter was Dora, the Explorer, while for our son, Legos were the craze.
What I found interesting was that, even though the Legos were prepackaged and designed to build the particular product pictured on the box, he would use his imagination and create something completely different and unique. The eventual results would amaze me as I saw how these tiny building blocks were being used to make impressive structures beyond the scope of their original design.
These small and seemingly insignificant Lego pieces have similarities to words.
- When viewed independently, and without context, they can seem insignificant.
- When placed purposely with others, they have great significance.
- When they are used without proper intention and purpose, they create confusion or a confusing product.
This past week, I was reminded of the impact and power of words, as I was strengthened and reinvigorated by people who took the time to use their words to make a remarkable difference in my outlook and perspective.
The words, seemingly insignificant and trivial independently, when stringed together with intentionality and purpose, brought about meaningful change for the better. As I observed their powerful impact, I was reminded of the great need to use words to influence, impact, and change lives for the better.
My encouragement today is to take some time to look around and find someone who might be hurting or losing hope. With a heart of compassion and love, mixed with sincerity and kindness, use your words to lift, build, or restore that person.
Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
The results may not be immediately apparent, but the impact is likely to be far more profound than you can imagine.