Magic Words

You are probably surprised that I used the word ‘magic’ alongside a photo of my Bible.  I would more often use terms like sacred and inspired.  Read on to find the connection and to a prayer request at the end.

I saw this plaque in a shop: “Please and thank you are magic words.”   Parents and teachers say this phrase to children to encourage them to speak politely.  I believe that using courteous language sets a respectful tone in conversation and relationships, but I am noticing a decline in manners.

In communicating with two businesses recently, I failed to get a thank you, a reply, even an acknowledgement.  My patronage of both businesses is substantial and long-term.  In one case, I supplied important requested information and I asked for confirmation that it was received.  In the other instance, a favor had been asked and with some personal effort I followed through, yet I received no acknowledgement to either communication.  I know in life’s stresses and the pressures of our ever-changing society, things fall through the cracks.  I suppose I should grant grace for that.

Similarly, last spring I contacted the motel where we have vacationed for the last 35 years.  The ownership of the motel is transitioning to the next generation of the family, which is nice to see.  My messages, however, were not returned although the matter was resolved.  I guess I chalked that one up to younger owners with different communication styles.

After our wonderful July vacation, with attractive updates to the motel premises, I couldn’t find my Bible.  I remember reading my Bible on the motel porch but since then, I have not been able to find it.  I have searched the cars, at church, at a Bible study home and throughout our house.  It is not turning up.  Though I thought it unlikely, I contacted the motel and asked if my Bible had been found.  Quickly, Brooke, one of the new owners responded that it had not been found but she offered to recheck on the weekend when the unit would be cleaned.  She suggested that it could be in a drawer, although I didn’t recall ever storing it in one.  After cleaning day, Brooke again emailed me that she had not found a Bible anywhere.  I thanked her for checking so diligently, assured her that I have other Bibles to use, and kidded that I hoped wherever it was, someone was reading it!  I also made “the most of the opportunity” by sharing that I write a blog based on Scripture (Ephesians 5:16).

My confidence in communication manners rallied after the exchange with Brooke.  All of us can be mindful of staying courteous, using the magic words of “please” and “thank you” as frequently as we can, even at home, with our loved ones.  (Sometimes family get the worst of us, don’t they?).

For now, my Bible remains missing, and I miss it a lot!  I have used this Bible for several decades.   It is well-marked; I know its pages well.  I speculate that I absentmindedly set it in the wrong place and that someday it will show up at the bottom of a sewing basket or the gadget drawer!  Would you pray with me that I find my Bible soon?  I would appreciate it – thank you.  I will keep you posted.

“… if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, … if you seek it like silver and search for it as hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”  Proverbs 2: 1, 4-5.                                                                                                                          Important Postscript:  I finished this draft last night, planning to post it sometime this weekend.  This morning in church, I got a text that my Bible had been found and was at the Welcome Desk.  It is wonderful to have it back – a real answer to prayer! Thank the Lord with me!!  Scripture tells us to handle The Words rightly (2 Timothy 2:15), and apparently I need to handle my possessions rightly too!

Author: Brenda Proulx

Wife, mother and grandmother, educator and someone who thinks about the things I observe. I am the daughter of a writer; my dad's career was in the field of journalism. More significantly, I am God's child, a person believing in Jesus Christ and in His timeless Word. Blogging is new to me but I feel like I've always had a pen in my hand. I jot notes in my planner, mark papers, underline verses, write many letters, and occasionally draft articles for work or church. When I am not holding a pen, I am probably cuddling a mug of coffee. View all posts by Brenda Proulx