Thursday, April 25, 2013

Say WHAT?


I was backing out of a parking space in a very small lot at a local market, when I noticed a distinguished looking elderly man waiting beside my car to get to his.  For some reason, he was morally outraged that he had to wait for a minute because I was backing out.  He proceeded to drop the f-bomb on me eight times (yes, I counted).  I was completely shocked - stopped in mid-reverse, and stared at him with an expression that said, "Seriously?!?"  He kept at it.  I pushed the button to lower my power window, made a peace sign with my hand, and said, "Peace, my brother".  His head jerked back, as if I had taken my two peace-signing fingers and poked him in the eyes.  He was the one looking stunned now.  Total credit for my response belongs to the Holy Spirit, since it is not in my nature to respond kindly to verbal assault. 



Anyway, this amusing little episode got me to thinking about the power of words, and why I like blogging.  Most times, not always, but most times, people say kind things to one another in the comment sections in Bloglandia.  Whenever I'm having a bad day, I peruse old posts and reread the nice things people have shared,  It's encouraging and healing.  I hope to give back the same when I read your posts or emails or letters.  

And speaking of letters, I found on Pinterest a cool way to keep the snail mail I've received over the years from family, friends, and fellow bloggers (who have become friends).  I'm a lazy letter-writer, but I do cherish the ones that have been sent my way.  This little project helps me to keep these treasures safe.


To make one, you'll need a small ring binder and a hole punch.  I carefully punch holes in the cards and letters where the writing wouldn't be damaged, and decorated the front cover with some old stamps from around the world.  Some of you may recognize cards and letters that you have sent.  If not, please know that they are in there and part of the collection.  In fact, I am starting a second binder :)

The good Word says:  "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks".  Thank you for sharing yours with me.  It's done my heart good.















24 comments:

Lyndsay said...

What a beautiful idea. I love it. I probably have hundreds of letters in a box in my room (I've always preferred snail mail to email). I think I will need to make a binder like this to store them in. Thanks for idea!

Anonymous said...

How beautiful! Of course now I want to write you a note & tuck in some art :) ~ Dee/Ethel

Ron and Theresa said...

So 60's. Love it. Peace out sister.

Jodi said...

Lyndsay, Your most welcome!

Jodi said...

Dee/Ethel, Eepp! <3

Jodi said...

Ron and Theresa, Word.

Nancy said...

Outstanding! Both your response to the elderly man and your Book-O-Memories. And, yes, of course this makes me want to mail things to you too. I want to be in your book!

amy said...

You are truly amazing. I cherish everything you have sent and said to me. You are a peacemaker and I love you.

Jodi said...

Nancy, I saved the envelope the book came in. I mean, after all, how many times will you get a letter addressed to the "Fabulous..."? xD

Jodi said...

Amy, you are a daughter of encouragement. xox

Unknown said...

That poor sad man.

and I have sent you countless things , adorable , poignant, wise, witty and true masterpiece like treasures.
in my mind , but still.

xoo

Southern Gal said...

You are my hero. To be able to respond like that in the heat of the moment definitely takes listening to the Holy Spirit. In Bible study we talked about anger. I haven't been put to the test yet, but I know it will come. ;)
That book is lovely! I have so many letters and cards from my grandparents that I want to put in some type of order. This is just the ticket.

Jodi said...

Deb, Thank you. Miss you friend and I hope you're feeling better. <3

Jodi said...

Renee, I believe the Holy Spirit was gracious and took over. I am not so disciplined. Really I'm not. :P

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I'm stunned that you had such a bizarre encounter, but inspired by your response to evil with good. I'm sure the Holy Spirit was with you!

What a great idea for special snail mail that you want to keep. I may have to do this myself. It's good to look back at those special letters.

Jodi said...

Kristi, I was surprised by MY response. God is good. :)

Leslie said...

Hahaha, I'm loving your "peace out" story (and loving it even more because I share that Irish temper ;)

I tend to keep precious snail mail in boxes or baskets, but this is a really nice idea, because you can look through them like a book!

Unknown said...

sometimes I just want to squeeze you.

Julie said...

I know you always tell me that you're not that good, but you are! Love your response to that man! I probably would have *accidentally* run over his toes. ;-)

Beautiful notebook! What a wonderful way to keep your memories. Now I have to mail you something super cool so that I can get into that book! LOL!

Dewena said...

That would have shook me up. You were brilliant!

I have a box full of my mother's letters. I would like to fix them so they'd be preserved. Great idea.

alexis nicole said...

Jodi,
It was SO nice to see you/meet you face to face today at JoAnn's:).
I've had people drop f bombs my way in the past and it makes me feel horrible and angry. "Peace my brother" is an awesome response.
Great idea for keeping snail mail. I've always loved writing and receiving letters. I had a very good friend pass away 6 years ago. When I miss her, I go to the top shelf of one of my kitchen cabinets, pull out her letters and read them. Then I cry, thank God I can see her one day in heaven and make the chili recipe she wrote down in her beautiful handwriting.

Amy said...

Wonderful way to save the special mail! Thanks for sharing. Also wonderful way to deal with an F-bomb fanatic. Sheesh. I notice how impatient many are, and it reminds me how much I need to breathe and slow down. Well, not always. Sometimes it just plain ticks me off! But, I'll think of your response now:)

Mary Drennen said...

Such a wonderful way to have a place for special mail! Letters are always the best things. I am back in PA from my long trip to Italy and it was so amazing. Can't wait to see you again.

GretchenJoanna said...

I am very inspired by that correspondence notebook! I could keep one for letters from my grandchildren and one for friends' letters...I can see them multiplying like photo albums, but at least the letters would be more accessible. Thanks!
And I loved the story of the "distinguished" elderly man showing his true nature. ;-)

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