A Way With Words

It’s always interesting to me how kids come up with ways to explain things. What’s even more interesting is the unique ways families communicate using imaginative phrases and terminology. Our family phrases don’t seem so inventive until I say them in front of other people. Here are some of our family’s innovative nomenclature:

• Pocket – the place one reclines at night, usually between a fitted and a flat sheet, unless you can’t find the fitted sheet because it’s lost between the footboard and

  

  mattress.

ie: “Noah, would you like me to tuck you into your pocket?”

• No tickling each other with fishes – a derivation taken from expert Archibald Asparagus of Veggietales in the movie Jonah, this sage advice fits well into a short list of reminders of inappropriate behavior.

ie: “No slapping, no hitting, no throwing things, no head-butting, and no tickling each other with fishes!”

• Suite House –  a place you lodge for the night when traveling
• Snuggles – a hug
• Nosope – nothing that produces bubbles. The original spelling is “no soap.”  After

  

  being said so often, it became one word with a modified spelling.

ie: “Judah, NOSOPE! Water only.”

 

Then there are utterances that make sense only in the heat of the moment:

 “Judah, take that knife away from yourself!”

or

“No playing in the fireplace.”

or after realizing one has stealthily taken a bite out of six freshly baked cookies just as I serve supper…

“You’d better eat ALL those cookies before you eat your supper.”

or

“Pee in the tub if you’re not going to pee in the toilet!”

or

“Clothing is not optional in this culture.”

or

“Kiss me with your lips, not your teeth.”

 

 

Oh, I know I’m not the only one! I’ve heard plenty of doozies from other parents, too. And I’m certain you can recall plenty. I remember a few from my childhood:

• “Just look at your face!”

How do I do that?

• “Do you want a spank?”

Uhhhh….

• “Don’t make me come back there!”

While you’re driving?! Sure!

 

I can feel a smile tickle the corners of my mouth as I ponder these sayings. But my thoughts turn solemn as I recall familiar phrases I sometimes tell God.

• “Lord, I have a bone to pick with You…”
• (Regarding autism or my husband’s ever-present, chronic nerve pain) “LORD, don’t You dare waste this!” Then remembering who I’m addressing and feeling I’ve overstepped, I quickly add, “I mean, with all due respect and humility on my part.”
• “Just so You know (and I know You do, but I’m going to tell You, anyway. After all, You want to hear it, right?), I’m not very happy right now. In fact, I’m a little annoyed with You. I’m sorry about that, and I don’t want to be, but I am!” 
• Sigh.

Then ever so firmly, but gently, He responds. Here’s how the conversation plays out:

Me: “Lord, I have a bone to pick with You…”

He: “I’m listening.”

Me: (close to tears) “LORD, don’t You dare waste this! I mean, with all due respect and humility on my part.”

He: “Nothing I do is ever wasted. Do you trust Me?”

Me: (Tears begin) “Yes, but just so You know, I’m not very happy right now. In fact, I’m a little annoyed with You. I’m sorry about that, and I don’t want to be, but I am! If You give and take away, who else do I blame?”

He: “My grace is always sufficient for you. Don’t doubt that. Draw close to Me, and I’ll draw even closer to you. I’ll never leave you, so you’re never alone. I will strengthen you with My grace in the moment you need it. You have all My grace you need for this moment, so take My yoke upon you. Drop your burden at My feet, and take Mine. It’s easy and light compared to yours” (II Cor, 12:9; Jas 4:8; Heb. 13:5; Is. 41:10; Matt. 11:29).