"Some things just take getting used to. Right Mama?" Ephraim proclaimed to his cousin Lisa and to me. "Like our Target" he said triumphantly. Our Target is being rearranged to make room for a more expanded grocery area. We won't be a Super Target, but we will have some fresh produce and meats. Because of this, our trips to Target recently have taken some getting used to, we don't have a true feel for the layout yet. What used to be the cereal aisle is now paper towel and toilet paper. Very discombobulating for a four year old and his mother.
But Ephraim, wasn't just referring to his adjustment to our Target. His cousin Lisa and I went to get manicures and pedicures today while he was at Children's Morning Out. This was my niece's first experience with the world of professional nail care and she was quite pleased with the results. When we picked Ephraim up, she asked him if he liked her nails. He very matter of factly said "No, I like my Mama's". Later on she asked him again, and he said "I still don't like your nails".
After picking Carson up from school, Lisa asked Carson what he thought of her nails and the ever charming Carson replied "Yes". Carson always knows how to make his Mama feel good and he wants very much to make other people feel loved too. Ephraim, well, it just takes him a while to get to that point.
He finally conceded as we exited the car in the garage that he liked her nails, hence, Ephraim's statement "Somethings just take a little getting used to". Perhaps he finally warmed up to her nails or maybe he realized his brother had the right angle on this one.
We are encouraged in the Bible to build one another up. Not with false platitudes, but with love and spiritual uplifting.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
As the body of Christ we must see it as our call to build one another up. To speak words that encourage and offer reassurance. God offers us words of encouragement and reassurance in His WORD. He wants us to be confident in His love for us. I need to be constantly asking myself, "Am I building up or tearing down with my comments?". I want to do what God would have me do. I guess doing it "just takes some getting used to".
3 comments:
Yes... takes some getting used to for HER mama as well.
I hope she does not get too used getting her nails done or she will have to get a serious job!
What a loving a generous Auntie!
Thanks seester.
We are enjoying our visit with Lisa. She has been able to offer help where needed and yet have her own space. She was a volunteer trooper. She deserved her manicure and pedicure. Thanks for sharing her with us, seester!
Nice words of tearing down...I used my day to yell myself hoarse at the kids....I guess we need to focus more on listening to one another in a more loving way...of course I hear them tap dancing and singing upstairs, so apparently I haven't 'scarred' them:)
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