Actually, I’m writing this Monday night instead of Tuesday morning. So, I’m thinking twilight thoughts, more somber thoughts because the day has ended and I’m looking back on it. It’ll never come again. Have I used it as well as I should have?
It was a beautiful day, blue skies, sunshine and as the sun went down, I thought about the day and people I’ve come in contact with and the words we use. The English language has many beautiful words and I wondered why we sometimes choose to use those that cut to the quick. And then, of course, I started thinking about my fictional characters, Darcy, Flora, and Ned. None of those three ladies is perfect. Each one has her share of foibles and maybe a bit of a temper when the occasion arises but generally, they go by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. They are likable women. They like others and they like themselves.
Authors live by words. The only way I can paint a picture for you to see the adventures of these three women and their friends is with words so I try to choose them carefully. Long after I’m gone, it could be that these words I’ve written will still be around…maybe…somewhere.
I’ve read (and you have too) that every word we’ve ever spoken is still zinging or ringing or winging through the air. We could hear them if we had the instruments to pick them up. So, it behooves all of us, whether writing or speaking, to choose our words with care. 
If my words are going to live longer than I do, I’d better hope they leave a good impression!
Remember the poem by Longfellow. It starts, “I shot an arrow in the air; it fell to earth I know not where.” And then, the poignant ending, “Long, long after in an oak, I found the arrow, still unbroke.” Harsh or thoughtless words do lodge in our hearts and many times, that’s where they stay.
Children are especially wounded by cruel words; so too, I think, are old people. Maybe it’s because the very young or the very old realize their helplessness and are more vulnerable. But so are we all, vulnerable, I mean. Words wound. Words heal. And we, no matter our ages, need encouragement, patience, understanding. How better to show these things than with our wise choice of words?
Blanche, you ended yesterday with your thoughtful words and I start today with those same thoughtful words, proving, or adding, to your point!
I know this will circle in my thoughts throughout the day!
We can know these things but need reminding often to keep it fresh in mind. Proving again, the power of words!
Thank you! Have a blessed day!
Thank you for writing, Fran. You are an encourager.
Sadly, the words that wounded me are the ones I remember.
Me too, Teresa. We need a giant memory eraser for specific things, not all things!