Words have a way of touching your heart. Moving you to tears or laughter. We speak them, hear them, struggle with them, write them, use them and choose them. Recently I attended the retirement farewell of two of my teaching colleagues including my own. There were speeches that celebrated the achievements and passions of these people; words that were uplifting and kind.

As I thought about words, I realised the power and beauty of them to heal, console and affirm. My colleague Jeannine Beaufoy delivered her heartfelt, farewell, thank you speech to a clapping audience. Her commitment and dedication to teaching is awesome and so with humility and pride she offered a beautiful speech to the staff. Several hugs, gifts and smiles later, it was my turn to stand up and be farewelled.

Jeannine’s speech

My friend and teaching partner spoke beautiful words to me – about my connectedness to others, my enthusiasm for my students, my passions and interests. It was a touching moment for me.

Words written on cards are special. Enjoy the time with family. Wishing you every happiness. Many thanks for your care and support. Your grace and kindness will be missed. All the very best for 2018 and beyond.

What words describe you? What are your 5 favourite words? Because I love children’s books, I wonder if you have read any of Glenda Millard’s most magical books like ‘Plum Puddings and Paper Moons’? The title of the book is a good example of alliteration; she uses words with punch and vigour. ‘tiger’s teeth and tails and toes’. Playful made up language like ‘ finny, scaly, gilly, salty sea sardines’. And her metaphor, ‘The sun was a hot yellow peach in a sea of strawberry sauce and the moon was a paper doily tossed up high.”

I have seen words on walls in rooms that stop you and make you wonder. Like these.

Words on tea towels that amuse and delight.

Surprising words that reflect mood and emotion. Words in magazines like ‘ GET GRAPHIC’

‘Make your beauty kit a little edgier with geometric razzmatazz and bold shades.’

There are scribbled words and autographs on uniforms.

Christmas messages.

And then images of natural beauty that words are sometimes unable to describe. Take a closer look at this plant and tell me what words you would use to describe it.

I love that words can make you sing, cry and remember. My grand children play with words like favourite toys. They are word weavers, word changers, word architects. Even sharp quick words like ‘ No! Why? ‘Where’s lamby? roll off their tongues.

Did you know that emoji keyboard is on more mobile phones then any language keyboard worldwide? Future emoji candidates include a Hindu temple, oil lamp and snorkel mask. What does it take to get your attention folks? ‘The giraffe is the one people request the most,’ Jeremy Burge, world authority on the popular characters, said. ‘For some reason, people are wild about the giraffe.’

This Christmas, I hope that we can forget the words that hurt, disappoint and are cruel in favour of the words that bring love, peace and hope. Words that bless, empower and reach others. God’s words that say, rest in Me. Be still so that you can hear My voice.

Words to read in books, words in coffee shops and words that you hold dear to your heart like a cuddly teddy bear. Until next time, make a list of your favourite words and share them with me.

Little Fig cafe in Buderim

Aleesah Darlinson reading from Fox and Moonbeam