9/19/09

Love my enemies, seriously God?

I am probably bragging when I say this, but I obeyed a verse today: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). It was kinda hard.

It was even more difficult for my chivalrous husband. My sweet, Christian, even-tempered husband becomes Hulk-like in nature when his wife or daughter are insulted or in harm's way. "You won't like me when I'm angry."

Here's what happened:

We stopped at Habanero's for some tasty breakfast burritos. Scott decided to also run into the doughnut shop next door while Liv and I sat in the car. A man driving a black, Chevy SS truck pulls into the two parking spaces to the left of us, partially blocking our car. I thought out loud, "Seriously, dude??!!" I glared at him in disbelief.

I could tell by the way he walked that he was full of himself, cocky. He was middle-aged, my dad's age, I thought.

When Scott returned to the car, I boldly walked into the restaurant and tapped him on the shoulder, "Excuse me, but I'm guessing you parked that way so no one would hit your truck, but I can't back out." Sweet and calm.

"What are you gonna do, write me a ticket?" Cocky.

"No, but I just wanted you to know that it's really inconsiderate." Still sweet.

"I don't give a s%*! what you think."

With shocked, appalled look in my eyes: "Well, I hope that makes you feel better to speak to me that way!"

"It does. I am having a great day now."

I walked away. Everyone around us in the small restaurant was appalled by his behavior. At least I think/hope they were rooting for me.

I told my husband to slowly, carefully back out.

"Do I need to go in there and punch him in the face? What did he say?"

"I'll tell you when we get on the road." Because I knew better..."You know that verse about loving enemies? I think we need to pray for him..."

Here is my prayer: "Dear God, please make that man have a heart attack."

Is that mean? Is that wrong? Rhetorical. I know the answers are yes and yes. I'm sure that man must have had a terrible upbringing to act that way and what's worse is he is destined for an eternal, fiery hell. So we all prayed a real prayer for him, and forgave him and tried extremely hard to let it go...

9/12/09

The $200 Dress

My husband, Scott is a forward thinker. He wishes we would all wear costumes. Think superhero. We would design our favorite outfit and then have seven of it. Personally, this would take the stress out of the morning "What should I wear?" dillema. I have been considering what my costume would be and currently, it's a short black dress with fitted jeans or leggings. (I didn't say I wasn't a fashion misfit). In fact, I'm not sure what type of girl I am, but I don't enjoy shopping for myself and I avoid malls year-round.

Anyway...I saw a friend at a friend's baby shower today and she was wearing a supercute dress with leggings and I remarked on how much I liked it.

"I got it on sale for $20 at Marshall's," she bragged. Now I was interested. The expectant friend asked about the brand and proceeded to dig for the label. Who cares? It's cute and a bargain.

It was an laudable brand. The cute-dress-wearing-friend told us the story of how she went into Banana Republic, tried on similar dress, and noticed the price tag read $200. I choked on my tea cake.

Pregnant friend: "I know you two are bargain finders, but if I had the money I would be dangerous."

Me: "If I were wealthy, I still would not buy a $200 dress."

Friend: "Have you ever worn a $200 dress?"

Well, no.

I shook my head. Should I be ashamed?

"It just feels good," she cooed.

My gutteral, automatic response (and not in a self-righteous, condescending tone whatsoever), "I would rather buy ten $20 dresses and give nine away." Now that would feel really good!

I may not know how the swish of $200 fabric feels on my skin, but I do know the high I get when I see a need and am able to meet it. I walk away exhilirated, giddy. And it is a feeling that lasts, not only in my own life, but in the world of the person on the receiving end too.

Try on a life of giving. It is a perfect, feel-good fit. Matthew 25:35-40