The scene occurred over ten years ago, but I can still remember it like yesterday. I was babysitting a group of little ones, and we were all gathered around the table late in the evening. The doorbell rang, and it was unexpected. We all looked at one another, asking with our eyes if anyone knew who it could be. Then the three-year-old inquires aloud in nineteenth century fashion, “Who could that be at this hour?!”

I don’t remember who was at the door or anything else about the occasion. I just recall taking note on the power of books, the influencing power of well-chosen words. Some writers write with a certain cadence that given enough exposure, draws you in and makes you begin thinking in the same manner that they write.

My eight-year-old is a diehard old-version Hardy Boys fan. He reads with obsession—about one book every day or two. It seems now that there are more days than books, and he is having to settle for reruns now. No doubt this is why he is always game for a decent “baffling mystery.”

In the same manner, old-fashioned girl books are the cause of my two-year-old’s sweet response, “Why, yes, I shall have some tea.” She also walks around saying, “Hello. I’m Johnny Cash,” but we don’t have to linger on that one.

As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Pr. 23:7) A situation occurred this afternoon that brought this to mind. Instead of choosing gentle words, I chose hard words, which resulted in my having to ask forgiveness. Like Anne Shirley, I am becoming adept at apologies lately. I wondered that if my mind was more saturated with Scripture, would I respond differently? Would I counter my usual response with godliness? Do we become like that which we read, enjoy, and meditate on?

The Bible teaches us so, as our children would aptly demonstrate.

…for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
~Psalm 119:47 - 48