A Few of My Favorite Words
I am a word geek. I love words. I can’t remember when I didn’t love words. Word games. Crossword puzzles. Plays on words. Silly rhymes. I’ve met very few words I don’t like.But there are so many words I love! These are just a few of them.
Family words
The first is surely my name. Judy. My family all just called me Judy. No nicknames—that I know of. And my husband always calls me Judy. I use lots of endearing words for him, but he sticks to my name. We all love to hear our name—it says we are known, accepted, maybe even treasured.Oh how I love the word Mom. My children use all variations (American versions): Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy. I answer to all.And now my grandchildren have given me another wonderful name: Jeedoo. Music to a grandmother’s ears: Jeedoo, tell us a story.Sisters—I have three of them. We are so different, but we enjoy each other. We are about to embark on our biannual get together, this time in North Carolina. When our mother died, we decided that, unless we were intentional, we might never see each other again. So first we did Texas, then Colorado. It’s good to make time for sisters.
Relationship words
Every parent spends years teaching children to say Please and Thank you. Those little ones do it out of obedience, then habit. And hopefully at some point from the heart, realizing that these polite words show respect to others.Good job! We love to hear that—especially from someone whose opinion matters. When a parent or a teacher or a coach or a boss truthfully says these affirming words, we gain new confidence. We believe we can do more, even anything we try.I’m sorry and I forgive you, unfortunately, are often needed but too seldom heard. But regret and sorrow for words or actions, when expressed sincerely, pave the way for healing and restoration.I love you. Oh the magic words! Given to a child, offered to a friend, whispered to a lover. Few words, genuinely spoken, bring more joy, hope, affirmation, contentment. Surely we can say it more than we do. One of my greatest gifts is a husband who tells me he loves me many times a day.
God words
God is also very fond of words. He spoke and the worlds were formed. He wrote thousands of words in the Scriptures. And He sent Jesus as the Word made flesh.One of my favorite words from God is love. His Word is filled with this word. Over and over He declares His love for you and for me. Then he proves it! What amazing love!Truth. God’s love requires that He tell us the truth. Sometimes that truth is uncomfortable, even unwanted. But He assures us that His truth will set us free.A God word I couldn’t live without is mercy. I thought I would be further along by now, and maybe my sins aren’t so “big” as they once were. But there they are, day by day, reminding me of mercy purchased at such a high price.And my favorite God word? Surely it is grace. The extravagant gift God lavishes on us, undeserved, abundant, even scandalous—I am so grateful.Of course there are so many more. Let me close with three more of my favorite words: God bless you!What about you? What are some of your favorite words?C2012 Judy Douglass