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Debbie & Ken Tunnell's avatar

A southern variation on "I'll have you know": "I'll tell you one thing..." and the more strident, "Well, I'll tell you one thing, right now...".

Rebecca Brewster Stevenson's avatar

Oh yes! Absolutely! Thanks for adding these.

Kimberly Kerr's avatar

Approaching a milestone birthday of 70 this lovely essay warms my heart. All of the memories, some beautiful, some horrible, take on fresh meaning and a hint of eternal significance. The sameness is comforting. The penumbra bids me forward with anticipation of His faithful light through the shadows on each and every step and until the Day dawns brightly. Thank you Rebecca 💜✝️🙌🏽

Rebecca Brewster Stevenson's avatar

You're so welcome, Kimberly. Happy Birthday (soon)! Thank you for reading and sharing your response. So good to hear from you.

Meghan Bowker's avatar

Oh, and wonderful

Poem. I think Mary did that.

Rebecca Brewster Stevenson's avatar

Isn't that a beautiful one? I'm so glad you enjoyed it too.

Meghan Bowker's avatar

Delightful, delightful (repeated a’purpose!) all! I laughed out loud a couple times, “hearing” Bill’s voice as you recounted your debate. He’s spot on regarding what “Again” means at the beginning of a statement.

I’ll guess you used 12 idioms in your essay.

I appreciated your thoughts on the mundane, on the almost desperate desire to keep meaningful moments. Someone might say I kept good records of my family’s history and my daughters’ childhoods, both in journals and photo albums, but I am aware of all that’s missing. We cannot lay hold of the present and keep it with us as we might like. Of course there’s that tension with children: we also look forward to them growing out of certain things!

Thank you for the reminders of God’s graciousness to us. He minces no words (I am dust) but He also holds us perfectly. And He has a glorious future for us. My favorite verse to mull on concerning this is Ephesians 2:7. By being kind to us in Jesus, He will express the “incomparable riches of His grace.”

Rebecca Brewster Stevenson's avatar

So glad you enjoyed the read! And knowing Bill as you do, I'm sure you could hear him there.

Yes, you're an excellent record keeper. And you're right: there are things we look forward to our children outgrowing, for sure.

And I do love that verse in Ephesians. Thanks for quoting it here. Amazing.

Angie's avatar

Hi, Rebecca! I am just listing 2 of what I think would be idioms..."a wink and a nod" and "spot-on." I love that you recorded things about your children on your calendar. I am sure you love looking back at those thoughts! I bet your kids enjoy them, too (or at least will one day)! That God knows we are dust and loves us is such an amazing thought. It is so good to remember, "My life and yours mean more than we think they do, even more than we understand." Thank you for your essay!

Rebecca Brewster Stevenson's avatar

Also, meant to say that "a wink and a nod" and "spot-on" are definitely two that I was thinking of! Thanks so much for participating, Angie.

Angie's avatar

Oh good! Hope you enjoy your day!

Rebecca Brewster Stevenson's avatar

So good to hear from you, Angie. I'm glad I recorded those things, too, and my adult children might not mind my reading some of them aloud! What a great idea! Thank you so much for reading. I'm glad this encouraged you.

Rebecca Brewster Stevenson's avatar

Yes, absolutely. This too. Thank you, Nathaniel!