Crackles of Gold

I remember slipping into bed a few years ago after a long day. With five youngsters, I don't really remember having any short days. Anyway, as I collapsed, I noticed a crackle on my pillow. I glanced down to find two handmade notes.

They were from my daughters, and let me just confess that either of them could have written reminder notes that the laundry was still undone and I still hadn't managed to get their favorite jeans clean. They could have cited that dinner wasn't exactly the best they'd ever had (I tried to tell them the "blackened" part was Cajun, but I don't think anyone bought it). Most of the day had been spent in the car and they could have pointed out that I wasn't exactly a ray of sunshine the whole time I was delivering kids to practices, picking up note cards, replacing a lost sweater and all the other little trips.

But instead of focusing on any one of many negatives, one of the girls' notes said "Thank you, Mom, for the new sweater." It had a cute little drawing of the sweater right next to it and it was signed, "from your darling daughter, whom you absolutely adore, Kaley."Kaley's never had huge insecurity issues.

The other said, "Thank you for spending your whole day in the car for us. I hope you don't have to do that again. Love, Allie." I had to chuckle at the "hope you don't have to do that again" part. I knew tomorrow would be another day- in the car.

I was so touched by the girls' notes. I was so touched that I didn't mind the thought of climbing into the minivan the next day. Nope, I didn't mind at all. In fact, I looked forward to finding new things I could do to bless the adorable little sweethearts. I felt honored to fetch sweaters and take a few more laps in the family taxi. Isn't it amazing what a couple of positive words can do? Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold... " I was so blessed by their "apples."

I've been asking the Lord to help me toss more apples at those I meet. Okay, maybe not "toss"- especially if we're talking about apples of gold. Those could do some bodily damage. But I do want to remember to offer words of encouragement and kindness. I know from the crackle on my pillow what treasure those words can be; even better than gold.

He's been faithful to remind me to offer the same kind of crackles to my family. NOT the Cajun kind.

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Rhonda Rhea writes for dozens of Christian publications and speaks at conferences and events across the country. You can find her newest books, Soup for the Soul--Tastes Just Like Chicken, and Amusing Grace, at your local Christian bookstore. Who Put the Cat in the Fridge--Serving Up Hope and Hilarity Family Style will be available in March. Rhonda's husband, Richie Rhea, is a pastor in Troy, Missouri. You can reach them through her Web site.