so, yesterday, i mentioned my friend E, who is a sometimes tired - but not exasperated - mama. (in my original post, i used the word "exasperated." i later removed it.)
and i learned another lesson about words. and how i need grace.
exasperate - to make very angry or impatient; annoy greatly; infuriate
i did not mean to say that she is angry or impatient with her kiddo. nor that she is annoyed with her kiddo. and certainly not that she is infuriated. but i guess that's the word i picked.
i am so sorry, E. i do not see you that way. at all.
i was thinking of it in terms of those days where everything is just off and it's too cold to go outside and mama is tired cause she's pregnant and she feels like she should do more to make her little guy feel better and maybe he's cranky and she is, well, i chose the word exasperated. i should have used a different word. and funny thing is, when i was typing it yesterday, it didn't sit quite right with me, but i couldn't think of how else to say it and didn't take the time to change it, and thought my intention would come through . . . i should have taken time to find the right word . . .
thankfully, this friend was very gracious with me. it bothered her that i used that word. but instead of her sitting there being frustrated with me, she asked me if that's really what i meant, and gave me a chance to fix it. i appreciate that. that grace. that chance. so much. to continue with my analogy from yesterday, she didn't just allow or cover over a misunderstanding. she told me there was poop in our yard. i like our yard too much to leave my poop in it. i'm cleaning it out. and i wanted you all to know it. cause some of you read that word yesterday morning. and i can't look at the speck if i don't remove my own pile first, you know what i mean?
tomorrow we'll be on to card games or cookies. one of the two. :) happy Friday, my friends.
{these pictures are of a Japanese garden in Minnesota . . . and they made me think of you, E. hugs to you.}