Delores E. Topliff
Proverbs
calls words in due season apples of gold in settings of silver. Whether we're creating real-life conversations or
dialogue in books, only well-chosen words convey emotion and build successful character
portraits.
Omitting names, I remember years ago when a
nice-enough graduating college senior I hardly knew mailed me, a freshman
English major, a marriage proposal tucked inside a book of poetry. Written in pencil,
his proposal contained three spelling errors.
Emphasizing the importance of
writing well, I tell students I circled the misspelled words in red and
mailed back his proposal. In actual fact when he phoned for my answer, I
mumbled that he was a nice man but I was too young to make that commitment.
We didn’t
stay in touch, I heard he married and lived a reasonably successful ordinary
life, but that experience impressed me with the importance of always caring
enough to send our very best—like
Hallmark. It was also important to me not to live an ordinary life.
What about you? What note, conversation, or
encouragement has meant apples of gold in silver bringing you joy and blessing?
Tell us how you've done that in return?
I often make cards of encouragement to send and have had people to tell me two or three years later they still have the card and continue to read it. Great post. That poor fella who had those errors...
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty amusing! Words do matter. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. (Pr. 4:20) In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. (Pro. 10:19) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matt. 12:37 (That's one for the young man who made mistakes.) There's lots more too. And you have not by any means lived an ordinary life! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYup, I know I wasn't the right choice for the nice misspeller--but it taught me a writing lesson, too.
ReplyDelete