Golden Words

Golden Words

Timely advice is lovely,like golden apples in a silver basket.

Proverbs 25:11

On the day of March 17, I awoke to glorious sunshine and a few wispy clouds floating through an azure sky. That was a very special day for the Walker family. Parents Tom and Lucy were in their seventies, and today they were celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, Tom had lost much of his hearing through the years. And yet he and his wife were still getting along together and celebrating this great anniversary—a fitting tribute to their lasting love and commitment to one another.

Their large extended family had come for the celebration, sleeping all over the house—in the guest room, on sofas, in sleeping bags on the floor. Lots of friends from Tom and Lucy’s neighborhood, community, and church came to offer their good wishes. Everyone enjoyed the gala event and family reunion through the midmorning and into the afternoon. Finally, about sundown, the remaining family members reluctantly went home, leaving Tom and Lucy alone.

Tired but happy, Lucy and Tom decided to walk out onto the front porch and sit down on the swing to watch the beautiful sunset together. It seemed symbolic somehow to end such a special day that way.

The old gentleman pulled his tie loose and leaned back, not saying much to his bride of fifty years. Lucy looked at him somewhat in wonder and said to him, “You know, Tom, I’m real proud of you.”

Tom turned and looked at her rather quizzically. After a moment of studied silence, he finally said, “Well, Lucy, I’m real tired of you, too!”

Father, sometimes I say things I regret. Please just shut my mouth, Lord, and help me to be more careful about the words I choose. I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings, and yet I know I’m guilty of unwittingly doing that at times. Please forgive me for words poorly chosen or poorly said. Amen.