Words = Vocabulary

A group gathers. The talk centers around cardiovascular, immune system, and respiratory. That’s the doctors. Engineers spew magnitude, stress factor, and even cylinders. I am at ease with principles, aptitudes, and pedagogically. We are there in the know with career vocab. Lurking in the background to trip us during the years are those contemporary for the time words grouped as jargon. Two decades ago, an eighth grade boy with a twinklier his eye interrupted a class discussion to ask, “Do you like bling?” I had no idea, so I just raised a disapproving eyebrow and continued with indirect objects. He tried again as he left class and a girl had pity on me and clarified, “He means dangling earrings and a matching necklace” Ohhh.

My early morning wake up my brain moments are the Mini Crossword Puzzle and NYT Connections. Once in a while for the puzzle I have to look up a sports hero or a 1997 top record. These answers would be known by any teen or even their parents. Connections is more tricky. On a good day I manage three of the four groups and win a Perfect by default. Then it doesn’t matter that I don’t recognize the name of four horror films. I’ve just learned a new term in a sports group that came from cricket in the 1850’s – hat trick, three positive accomplishments in one game. This counts for my daughter’s offering of three helpful errands in one morning. Hat trick has true validity now because the three panels of MUTTS comics strip had squirrels making three Bonk acorn hits on the people below and the punch line is HAT TRICK.

Since the month is October, we need to tip a hat to a word that had one meaning and has grown into another. Ghost can be the white clothed nebulous creature who gives off ghostly moaning sounds. Ignoring a text or an e-mail on purpose is now known as ghosting. The action is recognized by the name and is almost on the expected behavior list. We have thoughts for our inner feelings and ideas. Body language can express intent or reaction. Words are that attribute of humans that tie us to each other from a first mama, to communicating a skill throw the switch now, to cementing a relationship your work is amazing. Build the reserve you need for the purpose required and use as the situation demands.

“Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

Proverbs 15:4

“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

Proverbs 16:24