Proverbs calls words in due season apples of gold in settings of silver. Whether we’re creating real-life conversations or dialogue in books, only well-chosen words convey emotion and build successful character portraits.
Omitting names, I remember years ago when a nice-enough graduating college senior I hardly knew mailed me, a freshman English major, a marriage proposal tucked inside a book of poetry. Written in pencil, his proposal contained three spelling errors.
Emphasizing the importance of writing well, I tell students I circled the misspelled words in red and mailed back his proposal. In actual fact when he phoned for my answer, I mumbled that he was a nice man but I was too young to make that commitment.
We didn’t stay in touch, I heard he married and lived a reasonably successful ordinary life, but that experience impressed me with the importance of always caring enough to send our very best—like Hallmark. It was also important to me not to live an ordinary life.
What about you? What note, conversation, or encouragement has meant apples of gold in silver bringing you joy and blessing?
Tell us how you’ve done that in return?
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