My grandson and I have always had a special bond. He is ten now, and I know before too long, he won’t think it’s so cool to hang out with me. So while it lasts, I treasure it.
We often try to outdo each other in expressing our affection. He called the other night to tell me about his day. The end of our conversation went like this.
Me: Goodnight, honey bunny. I love you.
Him: I love you more.
Me: I love you most.
Him: (after a pause) Well … I love you MORST!
He won that round.
Such a simple little conversation, but we both ended the call feeling loved and cherished. Several days later, my heart still smiles when I think of it.
Just a few words, but what a lasting impact. The words we speak carry such power to embrace, or harm. If we only stopped to think about what effect our words leave in their wake. I’ve been told more than once that even my well-intentioned words have on occasion “not been helpful.” And while I’m sure that is sometimes still true, I have tried to be more thoughtful before I speak.
So take a moment today and say something kind to someone. You don’t know how much a word of affection, appreciation, compassion, encouragement, or support might mean to someone. Say something that days from now will still make someone’s heart smile.
Words are cheap
But can cost dear
Take care with what you speak
Let love guide your tongue
And only blessings fall from your lips
Say what you mean, mean what you say and don’t say it mean. I used to think truth prevailed until I learned that not every truth needed to be said aloud. The love of those grandchildren can’t be beaten. When they reach an age where they won’t be hanging out with grandma, I’m counting on the love they offered so freely in their youth to l sustain me in my old age.
I had not heard that full saying, including the don’t say it mean part. That’s perfect. And yes, Mona, you and I are storing up all that grandchild love while they are young and it’s so freely offered. Thanks for commenting.
This is a “morst” wonderful and wise post!
Haha! Thanks Caroline!
Here’s a big cousin hug!!!
Right back atcha, Katie!
Hi! I just found my way here from Kathy Gottberg’s blog. This is such a sweet post, and I love the cute, and very sincere, things that children will say.
Welcome, Bethany! Yes, these kids say some pretty funny things. I wish I had written everything down. Thanks for commenting. Hope you will sign up by email or stop by to visit again.
I gently (I thought) explained to my darlin 10yr old gdaughter, Lyla, how sad I was that she had deleted a very dear video on my phone. She denied it and and I know she didn’t do it on purpose, but the damage was done. I did days later find the video. And I learned once again how important our words can be to our dear ones. Thank you for the reminder!
That is a great example, Kathy. That is a tricky situation when you think a child is not telling the truth.
Also tricky when children get access to our phones or other technology! My three year old granddaughter recently called 911 from her mom’s phone while her mom was in the shower. I got an emergency alert and then couldn’t reach my daughter. It was a tense few minutes!