Did you even SEE my ring?

I ran into Hobby Lobby this morning. While I was looking at some things I noticed this strange guy on my left. Then I picked up some napkins to look at them closer with my left hand (ring VERY visible--that's important--read on) and all of a sudden I hear, "Would you like to go out to dinner sometime?"

I'm surprised I didn't just flat out frop what I was holding. You probably could have seen the shock written all over my face form aisles away. And you especially could hear my total silence for a full five minutes (or so it seemed)! I finally found my voice and said, "no", to which he then walked away. I'm guessing my shocked face and silence for so long just plain scared him off.

So as I continued my shopping, I couldn't help but wonder if he even saw my wedding ring or if that really didn't even matter to him? I mean, there was no question he could see it. The way I was holding the napkins, it was very obvious. I was actually going to drop off my ring to have it cleaned and checked this morning before I went to Hobby Lobby, but decided to wait until later. Guess it's a good thing I did. Although....given the fact that he ignored it anyway, I'm not sure it would have made any difference at all!!

And to make it even more strange, I looked like a wreck (you know--the sniffling, puffy eyes, scratchy voice, still-getting-over-a-cold wreck)! Maybe he was just practicing. Who knows?! People. Sometime I just wonder about them.....

What kind of world do we live in?! Seriously? I've rather enjoyed those lack of questions from complete strangers for the past two years! :)

 I came home, told Luke. And watched him laugh. Laughter is a very good thing! :)

Such simple words can mean so much!

Words are powerful. No matter how simple. No matter how few. They can work wonders. They tear at our emotions. They can make us laugh or cry. Or make us angry or discouraged. They can do SO much. And this weekend, a two year old reminded me of that by five simple words...

Luke and I were back in Kansas at the end of August and at church on Sunday at Grace Community Church (yay!). Midway through the morning, Tim brought 2 1/2 year old Noah over to where Luke and I were sitting. He gave me a hug and I started talking to him, asking him about his boots, his baby sister Ella, what he saw when he went to the rodeo, etc.

Then suddenly, he looked at me and said, "I miss you Aunt Serena."

And with those five short, simple, innocent words...my heart just melted.

From the time he was born to the moment I got married and moved, Noah and I were buddies. When Erinn and I were together, Noah was there. During the two years of Kid's Klub prep work and teaching every week. The summer I directed VBS. Wedding gown shopping. Church activities. Playing on a quilt in the park on my wedding day. Walking down the aisle as ringbearer in my wedding.

 

Teaching the story of baby Moses (Noah) floating down the river in a basket for Kid's Klub

 Helping throw away trash at the Learning Center

 

at Jim and Kim's wedding reception

wedding gown shopping in Kansas City

 

 playing at the park

 such a cute little ringbearer

 

Being only 2 1/2 years old, his little mind lives in the here and now. The memory of months ago fades away and is replaced by things happening at this moment. Even though I'm back to visit every few months, it sill takes Noah a little while to warm back up to me versus the days when I saw him week after week.

But his few, simple words had a profound impact on me that morning that he never knew or realized. Even thinking back on them now, brings tears to my eyes. And is a reminder to me how words can be used so powerfully.

With only a few words, I can tear my husband down or lift him up. Friendships can be destroyed or strengthened by what comes from my mouth. The words I choose to say can glorify Jesus Christ or do just the opposite. What I say greatly affects my husband, my family, my friends and strangers I meet. It's amazing how something so simple as a few words can create such a huge impact.

What a reminder to me to choose my words carefully. To be an encouragement to my husband and lift him up. To praise him, to honor him with my words. To give an encouraging word to others. To be kind and polite to others while running errands and shopping. To make sure the words coming from my mouth are respectful, kind and a reflection of Christ in my life. The words I choose to say can do so much!

Thank you, Noah, for that simple, yet so important reminder! And.....yes, I miss YOU too! And your mommy as well! :)