Summary: "Hello, Austin," said Grandpa Thompson. "Is everything copacetic with my grandson today?" "Co . . . pa . . . cetic? What does that mean, Grandpa?" asked Austin, but even as he asked, he was sure his grandfather wouldn't tell him. He'd probably say to look it up in the dictionary. Just like expected, Grandpa smiled and said, "Look it up. You know that's what dictionaries are for!" So Austin got out a big dictionary and quickly looked up the word. "Copacetic," he murmured softly. "Here it is, and it means . . ." He paused and read the definition to himself. "It means very satisfying," he added, closing the book just as his older brother walked in the door. Bruce is in high school and thinks he's pretty smart, thought Austin. I'll try this word on him. "Hi, Bruce," said Austin. "Everything copacetic?" Bruce looked at his brother. "What are you talking about?" he asked. "What does that word mean anyway?" Grandpa winked and Austin grinned. "Look it up, Bruce," he said. "That's what dictionaries are for. Right, Grandpa?" While Bruce flipped through the dictionary, Austin sat down on the couch next to his grandfather. "You sure like using new words, don't you, Grandpa?" Grandpa put an arm around Austin. "Yes, I do," he agreed. "The way I look at it, the use of words is a gift from God. He has given man the ability to develop languages and to write words that express ideas. Some words do a better job of that than others, so I like to look for the best ones to say something." Grandpa paused, then added, "Communication is a vital part of life. Man can take that God-given ability and abuse it, or he can use it for good." "I never thought about that," said Austin. "I guess that means we should be careful to use good words, right?" He got up to go to his room. "See you later, Grandpa," he added, "and I hope you have a copacetic day!" How About You? Have you thought about the importance of words? They are used every day in books, on radio and TV programs, on the internet, and in conversations with your family and friends. Remember that words can be used to either honor or dishonor the Lord. Are the words that come from your mouth pleasing to Him? They should be--so think before you speak. Thank God for the ability to communicate through language, and make sure whatever you say is acceptable to Him. Today's Key Verse: Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good. (Ephesians 4:29) Today's Key Thought: Use good words
