A Voice (09/05/2024)

One of my favorite moments as a mom and grandma was the moment my child or grandchild realized they had a voice, that the noise was theirs. True, it was followed by years of trying to coach as them on the difference between “inside” and “outside” voices and those times when “silence is golden.” But most gifts come with some training or assembly required. This one is no different. And over the years, I have enjoyed watching them discover why that voice was given to them.

I remember teaching them to speak, teaching them words, teaching them how and when to use those words. We began simple with words like “Dad,” “Mom,” “Please,” “Thanks,” “Sorry.” I remember my joy when they formed a sentence. I don’t recall every intentionally teaching them the word “No,” but they caught it somewhere.

I remember watching the older ones teach the younger ones how to play with a toy or play a game. I remember watching the older ones greet the younger ones into the family and into the day with hugs and short declarations of love.

I remember teaching them to pray. It is one of the most essential reasons we have a voice, to cry out in praise or in pleas, to utter the “I’m sorry,” and to acknowledge the One without whom we would not be.

And I remember their launch into the world as they began school and more and more learned about the world in which they live and reasons for our voices. They learned about justice, they learned more about relationships beyond the family. They learned about jobs and about world needs and about politics. And Sunday dinners were very lively and entertaining.

It is amazing, as I turn on the television and take in all the things we are using our voice for in the modern world. I pray that we will remember the essentials. I pray that we will remember our manners. I pray that we will remember our LORD without whom we would not be.

We are born into this world with a purpose and a voice. They go together. We take our voice for granted, but it is such a gift. May we cherish it and use it wisely, often, and lovingly.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.