Words

Words are a platform.

A platform can be stood upon like a stage for a performance. A platform is made to hold materials and workmen while building a house. A platform can be the floor of a tent a camper or a chicken coop. A platform is what allows people to get off and on trains, busses and planes. The platform is a means of support.

It can be built quickly with not much to it or built to last a long time. It can be raised or lowered. It can be taken apart and rebuilt.

Some platforms are made of stone and last for decades.

How does this apply to my words?

Will my words, (what I say) support me and my family and friends? Will they help them stand, or will my words be weak and cause them to fall. Will my words be solid enough for them to hold onto during stormy life times? Will my words raise a platform of hope and encouragement?

We cannot see words after they’re said, however, they can still ring in people’s ears days, years, decades later. Many are still being heard centuries later – passed on by word of mouth or in writing.

Everybody is talking, saying something now-a-days. They want to be heard, noticed, listened to.

I want to examine my platform…my word platform. Do I have the right kind of materials to build it. Do I need to find some better type lumber? Will I use particle board or solid planks? Will I pick a beautiful board or will any old crooked, knotty board do? Will I use cheap nails that bend when driving them or use steel screws to hold my message together? Will I make the framework sturdy to hold the weight of truth and good, or will it be flimsy and anyone can rip it to shreds.

Will my words bring clarity, stability, comfort, and hope for another person?

We can do this folks. Yes, it will take some effort and maybe new learning, but there’re lots of lives that just need some place secure to stand while they put themselves back together.

Can they stand securely on your platform? Can I stand on mine?

First Things First

Today when I woke up it was rainy and gloomy, but I woke up today. My Dad said, as his birthdays climbed into their 70’s and 80’s, that he was not afraid to add another birthday. It meant he was still alive and could enjoy his family; he could still do work and do things for other people.

So, sitting from the porch swing, what do we see that we are grateful for? Well, I have a bench and a porch and I can go outside. I can see the green grass…forget that it might need to be mowed and there are weeds in my gravel driveway… just enjoy the color and that it’s not negative 18 outside. I can see the neighbors, much older than I, out mowing their grass, I probably should be mowing it for them, but I know they like to do some form of exercise to stay agile. She had a lot of poison ivy growing up her tree and I haven’t had to fight with that at my place. (I did go over and spray hers so it is gone) I have a nice concrete porch and hers is wood and that means more maintenance. True mine has cracks in it, but that’s OK, it’s old but it’s not caving in.

Her sidewalk is all bunched up because the two huge maple trees between it and the street have pushed it out of shape, but those two trees completely shade my house most of the day, and the neighbor kids have so much fun ramping their bikes over her bumpy sidewalk. One brave skate boarder gave a shot at it too! I get to hear the kids laughing and playing all summer, and it reminds me of mine when they were small. I should make the kids some cookies. Sometimes the parents come with them. I’ve met many neighbors just being outside and saying, ‘Hi’ as they walk by. Yes, we have a good neighborhood. We’re getting to know each other and that brings stability to the community.