A phrase that means something specific, and pretty snarky, to me. Which I am considering posting in my front yard on a sign.
Origin of this perversion of a nice sentiment: When I was little (under 10 I think) my parents, sister and I went to some sort of charismatic renewal conference in Kansas City, MO. The conference hotel was the Radisson Muhlebach, which was old and veeeery fancy...I remember being terribly impressed by the brass and glass mail chute, just like in the Eloise books. (We never stayed at motels/hotels, or if we did, it was everyone in one room in a Motel 6. With breakfast from a cooler.)
So, my parents were at this conference all day and Nancy and I were at the kids' activities. I don't remember them very well, except the part where an older girl came up and told me she didn't like how I was looking at her (or something), and then hit me in the arm. I was shocked! and horrified! Not really hurt, but my feelings were hurt.
I sought out one of the peer leaders of the group and told her what had happened. She had a sort of far-away look in her eyes as she told me, "Just tell her that Jesus loves her, and you forgive her."
Um, thanks for the advice, but no. I wasn't going looking for that girl again to tell her anything.
And the phrase has stayed with me, and I mostly say it with my teeth clenched.
To the present day: Ken works very hard on our yard, struggling to find plants that will do well in so much shade, and has recently planted about 300 caladiums. In the front corner bed, he had some particularly large and lovely ones. Which have been: Stolen. Dug up and run off with. There were about 10 of them taken. Now, there is nothing in that particular bed.
We'd given up putting flowering plants there, because passers-by would pick them. But this! I am really angry and aggravated. Do we call the police to report the theft of $15 worth of plants? Do we give up planting things?
Or do I put up my sign? and try to mean it? comments sought and welcomed.
Now, off to church, where I clearly belong.
