“Because what they say is gold.”
When Ray and I were visiting with Doug and Cora Beal last weekend, they told us about their commitment to one another regarding phone calls from their adult children. When one of their children calls and only one of them is home to answer, the answerer takes notes of what their child said so that he or she can share it when they get back together later in the day.
Cora Beal explained why they do this: “Because what they say is gold.”
When our children were little, I cherished cute things they said and sometimes wrote them down so I would remember them. Now, when one of our grandchildren says something cute or profound, I share it with Ray and anyone else I can get to listen — “because what they say is gold.”
That wonder and appreciation for what our children have to say doesn’t stop once they get past being cute and little. We care always because what our children say reveals to us what is happening in their lives. Their words also tell us what is inside their hearts. Because we love, we want to know.
. . . for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.
Luke 6:45
When Paul wrote his first letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, he spoke of their longing to see him and his longing to see them. Like all loving parents, Cora Beal and Doug long to hear from — and to see — their children “because what they say is gold;” and they cherish the wonderful times they get those opportunities. Are you longing to see someone or is anyone longing to see you? Every time you make those things happen, your children are watching and you are being a wonderful example to them.
But Timothy has just now come to us from you
and has brought good news about your faith and love.
He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us
and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.
1 Thessalonians 3:6