Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: Four-year-old grandson Joey was here the other night for dinner. Spying the bowl of leftover holiday candy, he asked if he could have a piece. I said, “We have to eat dinner first, and then we’ll eat ALL the leftover Christmas candy! How would you like that?” (I thought it was a GREAT idea.)

“No,” Joey said, ‘We should only have two or three pieces so we don’t get a tummy ache.” (There was pity for his foolish grandma in that look he gave me!)

From the mouths of babes…

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Joey was right, of course. I just didn’t expect such wisdom from a four-year-old. But thinking about it later, plenty of wisdom has come my way over the years from unexpected sources.

For instance, a stranger made a “random” comment to me in the grocery store one day that changed my outlook on life. Another day, a friend asked a simple question that led me to make huge changes in my life. I’ve been impacted by a “Dear Abby” column, a quote from a favorite author, and people I’ve heard on the radio.

One long-ago evening, I listened to a message left on my voicemail by a “wrong number” that was exactly what I needed to hear at that time. And at a time when I felt lost and hopeless, it wasn’t a preacher but my tough Marine Corps cousin who pointed me back to God.

Timely words. Unexpected sources. Such words have inspired me to forgive, to forget, to move forward, to slow down, to love, to share, and to laugh. And even to eat more sensibly. (Thanks Joey!)

How about you? Who has offered a bit of wisdom, an unexpected “timely word” to you? If you can, let that person know how much their word meant to you.

Maybe today you’ll hear a “timely word” that will lead you toward greater love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, healing, self-control, gratitude or faithfulness. Whatever it is that you need.

And today may you find comfort and courage in the certainty that you –whoever you are, in the middle of whatever it is–you are loved!

You are loved.