Ite?

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11 ESV). Some time ago, while in another city, I entered an elevator with an attendant. It wasn’t crowded although there was another man who entered with me who was obviously from Australia. His accent was very distinctive. As he entered behind me, he announced, "Eighth floor, please!" "What?" he queried. "Eight," he repeated in his best Australian English. The attendant said, "Ite? What's ite?" After making several more futile attempts he said, "The one after seven, please." The attendant said, "Ooooh, you want aaate!" I couldn’t contain my laughter any longer. We all had a good laugh and the elevator began to ascend! At best, communication can be very difficult, at worst disastrous. Just because I have spoken doesn't mean I have communicated. To communicate effectively means that the listener needs to hear and understand my message as closely as possible to what I meant it to be. In our dealership we have extensive procedures in place to make sure that our communication is clear and understood. Even then there are times when we are misunderstood. Those times can usually be overcome. However, there are other times when they cannot. When used poorly, words can confuse and mislead, or used bitterly, they can cut and hurt deeply. But, when words are used wisely and powerfully, they can move much more than mountains, they can move men and nations! We don't have to be eloquent to give a kind word, a loving word, an encouraging word, a complimentary word, an affirming word, and a hopeful word. They cost nothing to give but are worth their weight in gold. Or as our reading today indicates, they are as golden apples set in silver bowls. Dale Carnegie said, “You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.” Perhaps there is someone who will pass through your life today looking for a few kind words. You may need to slow down to see them. Usually they are not obvious to the casual observer. However, if you will look, you’ll see them. Use the power of kind words to give them an invaluable gift of hope and encouragement. It won’t really cost you anything, but it will be worth more than anything!