“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” – Proverbs 16:24
The weather in Oklahoma is a fickle thing. We move from one extreme to the other. The great Oklahoman, Will Rogers is famous for saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute and it will change.” Will Rogers may have been exaggerating a bit, but that just makes for good comedy. The truth is we are a state of extremes. During the summer months, we can experience several days with temperatures in the 100s while in the winter the temperature can be well below freezing. When you mix in the wind that comes sweeping down the plains our weather can be taxing on any given day.
Recently we have been experiencing more rain and heat than a normal September. The rain seems to come in strong and then gives way to beautiful, sunny, hot and humid afternoons. Weather patterns like this always give people something to talk about. We like to call it ‘small talk,’ but it can have a big impact on those in the conversation.
Often, when we talk about the weather, we share our discontent with the current circumstances. We say things like, “It is too hot for me,” or, “I wish this rain would go away, I prefer bright sunny skies.” I am guilty of this myself.
The writer of Proverb 16:24 reminds us that, “Pleasant words” are beneficial for us all. When we speak with others we can add delight to their day. If our words reflect a spirit of gratitude and joy it edifies all in the conversation. I want to encourage us, as we begin this week, to be mindful of our conversations, even the small ones. Our words, like the Oklahoma weather, can have a big impact on others.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
