The WordSmith

Some of my fondest childhood memories center around my Mom and Dad: Mom's shuffling of pots and pans in the kitchen - a reminder of her nearness and caring for her family; then, the sound of Dad in his study ... the sounds of his squeaky chair and clicking of typewriter keys - his putting thoughts into words then words onto paper. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," says Proverbs 18:21. Oh, for shame, the words that leave our lips that serve-up death rather than life! Paul instructs Believers their speech should "always be gracious, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6). Salt flavors things; we all know the spittin' and sputterin' of grits without salt and unsalted popcorn. As salt salts, so must our words warm the soul, encourage the heart, lift the spirit and refresh the weary. Many people have said my Dad was a "wordsmith" - an expert on words ... I agree. The greatest wordsmith, however, is Almighty God and The Truth as written in His Word. May it be the greatest WordSmith [of all] "smith" our hearts so that what pours forth are sweet and savory words of life.