I’ve played hundreds of games of pickle ball this summer - with several different partners. I’ve won my share of games and lost a number of them as well. There are not too many days - when I come home - that I tell Harv I’ve had a rotten day on the courts - in fact - I can’t think of one! But I will admit - an encouraging partner sometimes is the difference between a win or a loss - a great game (even in defeat) or a frustrating one (even in victory).

When my sons turned 21 - I wrote a book for each of them - MOTHER’S MEMORIES FOR MY SON! In that book there were probably 80 pages dedicated to my writings and pictures and thoughts - and one - only one - page - dedicated to their Dad’s thoughts. One page for Randy.

When Adele was born, I came across Pete’s book and read the words that Randy had written.

“Petey - ‘the rock’. We knew as soon as we saw you this would be your name. What a name to live up to! You’ve always been such a happy, well adjusted, easy going guy. I’m pretty sure we didn’t need to raise you - you were so amazing. Remember the times we went to Mr. C’s in Listowel while your brothers were in school? We had coffee and donuts and you played Pac Man. How much I have enjoyed watching your athletic career. Basketball. Rugby. Football. You did it all! I still feel bad the time you broke your arm in football. I was very sure it wasn’t broken - but it was - oops - sorry about that. To this day you never complain or say a bad word about anyone. You are amazing! You’ve learned to play the guitar and that’s a special joy to see. You will make the most amazing husband and father someday. (He is!) What a joy you are to Mom and I and how we thank God. It’s been a joy to be your Mom and Dad. We are truly blessed. ‘Be strong in the Lord’ Ephesians 6:10. What an amazing thing to do - run a triathlon with me. Thanks. Love you always. Dad.”

I’m sure Pete feels ten feet tall every time he reads and rereads these word.

I remember the scene from the stage production “Anne of Green Gables” when Anne’s beloved Matthew dies. Anne was heartbroken. She knew how much Matthew cared for her. She knew from the moment when Matthew picked her up from the train station, that even though she wasn’t a boy and the orphanage sent a girl, she was loved by Matthew. It was Matthew that bought the dress with puffed sleeves for Anne. It was Matthew who helped Anned make her famous apology to Mrs. Lynde. I loved that Matthew - a scruff old bachelor - was able to tell Anne how much he cared for her - how much he loved her - how thankful he was that she had come to live at Green Gables with him and Marilla. But, Marilla, Matthew’s sister lamented the fact that even though she too loved Anne, she had not ever been able to communicate her love for Anne or even for her brother, Matthew.

Marilla laments this in the song The Words!

“I can’t find the words. Can’t get out the phrases. When he needed love, did I sing his praises? Where did the words go when I was beside him? Why couldn’t I show all the love that my heart felt toward him? I adored him. I can’t find the words?

Marilla had opportunities but never told him. Lost opportunities. Too late. Too late.

At the time my sons turned 21, I’m sure they might have thought it was a little lame to get a book of memories from their mom and dad. Maybe a lot lame. They never said though. They were much too gracious. I’m sure they are thankful to have those books and especially to have the special page written by their Dad.

Words! Words!

The Bible has a lot to say about what we say - how we say it - when we say it!

Words have the power to build up or to tear down. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. The words of the reckless pierce like swords but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Out of the heart, the mouth speaks. The heart of the righteous weighs its answer, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

If you have a spouse - tell them - regularly - how much they mean to you and how there is no one in the world who could ever replace them.

If you have a parent - tell them - how thankful you are for them and how grateful for their presence in your life.

It you have children - tell them - that they are awesome kids and what a great opportunity it is to be their mom or dad - how amazing they are - that if you lined up every kid in the world - you’d always choose them.

If you are a teacher - find things in your student’s lives where you can encourage them.

Today - make it a point to speak to someone - using your words to speak grace and love.

Words! I’m glad that Zac, Ben and Pete have that page written by their dad. I’m so grateful Randy didn’t leave anything unsaid.