Words That Matter

By Sarah C. Ayers

I am in the business of childcare. Words matter in every job, but it is very likely that few others repeatedly tell their consumers “use your words please” every day.

The children I take care of are between a few weeks old to four years of age. More often than not, these children have limited verbal abilities. This makes their words even more meaningful. Whenever they speak adults pay close attention and almost always answer them with care. In the adult world this does not happen often. And that is something which especially makes my job so precious.

One of the first phrases the children at my daycare learn is “I love you.” Sometimes I think those simple words spoken as their guardians leave are what carry my clients through their day.

Children do not always speak in love though. Children sometimes cut you deeply with words that are more truthful than an adult would speak. Some children swear easily, some children speak hate and some tell of horrible abuse they experience. And yet, I love my job and have learned to speak bravely on their behalf.

So, as I begin to write a regular column for this blog, I encourage you to write and speak with words that matter. Whether people respond or not, there is always someone listening, your wording have meaning.

Words are our way of connecting, of blessing and especially now in this time of panic over public health, words are our way of spreading God’s peace.