Sugar currently occupies my sweetest term-of-endearment seat. Sometimes solo: “Hey, Sugar.” Sometimes paired: “Hey, Sugarplum.”

I occasionally use the plum variety with pastor friends. Unsettles them a tad. Keeps them on their toes.

I routinely use both strains with kids and grandkids. Took my grandson a while to understand my intent since analogy and metaphor don’t translate well below age four.

He’s turned a corner and now follows in my footsteps proudly proclaiming, “Hi, Sugar.” I counter with “Hi, Sugarplum.” Our love banter.

Sugar goes in my coffee and in my hummingbird feeder. I like how it offsets the acidic bite of java. The hummingbirds like how it offsets the blandness of H2O.

My native Korean friends go lighter on the sugar in desserts preferring Gyeongdan instead of Blue Bell.

My native Texan friends use sugar like salt preferring sugar-crusted blackberry cobbler with Blue Bell. Two scoops.

The preference for sugar may vary across cultures. The preference for sweet words does not.

Sweet Solomon once wrote, “Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” (Proverbs 16.24)

“You’re really good at taking care of our money.” “You look really good in that color.” “I’m so proud to be your dad.” “I’m so thankful we met.” “Look at you swim! Wow!” “I really like it when it’s just the two of us.”

Sweet words bring grace. Affirm gifts. Encourage hearts. Fill empty places. Satisfy longings. Lift up entire beings.

Consider incorporating a variety of sweet words today. You can even use sugarplum if you want.