One night Trinity had been particularly sweet about paying people compliments.  I decided to jump on that and encourage that encouraging behavior.  While I washed dishes, she sat and we talked about how paying compliments is a way to use words that “are useful for building others up according to their needs so that it might benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29) (Finally! A chance to use the verse without it applying to the “unwholesome talk” part that was coming out of my kids mouths).  We also talked about Proverbs 12:18, “the tongue of the wise brings healing”.  We talked about how we can help heal and encourage and bring joy to people when we speak kind words to them.

Then, a few nights later, Danny got home from work and I immediately broke down weeping about Daniel again.  Through the tears and sobs, I could see Trinity staring at me in a pained and shocked face. While curled up on his lap, I tried to mumble out what I was feeling to Danny which led to more weeping. Trinity continued to stare.  Then Trinity started in with her ” tongue of healing” that she had just learned about the other night.

“Mommy, you look pretty.”

Mommy, your skirt looks so pretty”

Mommy, your hair looks pretty.”

“I like your shirt, Mommy”

“I like the white thing right there”

“Your necklace is pretty, Mommy”

“Your pink toenails look so pretty.”

“Mommy, I like your bracelet.”

Danny, was wondering what on earth was going on with the barrage of compliments, but it quickly registered in my mind….Trinity saw her Mommy in pain. She knew how to bring healing.  By saying nice things.  She was going to fix the problem with compliments.  If it were only that simple.  Oh, childlike faith.

But, sweet Trinity, keep seeking to use your tongue to bring healing.  The Healer will use it.  His Word promises it.