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Everyone Gets A Nickname

Everyone I care about gets a nickname. I try to make them flattering names that they'd enjoy if they heard them. Sparky, Junior, Lucy, Comrade, (we gave each other that one) Confirmation Sponsor Guy. They might start out as gentle tweaks, but I notice that each one fits better as we share more of life together. I can't help it. I subsist as a creative force on catchphrases, and nicknames. Who am I kidding? I'm not a creative force. [You beat me to it.--ed.]

On the other hand, some of you I care deeply about don't have one yet. That's OK. I'm working on it. It has to work. It has to fit.

What does it mean, to have a nickname? Well, I can tell you what it means to me. It means that you are unique. It means that my life has flavor because of you. When you get the name, it means that my soul laughs a little at the thought of you, and when I share it, it means I want us to laugh together.

I'm discovering that parents do this a lot. God does it a lot. Of course, when He does it, it's a teachable moment for the entire world. Then again, with God, it always is.

If you're reading this, there is a 62.1 percent chance that you have a nickname from me. Hey, if you get a moment, drop me a line. I'd really like us to laugh together.

Comments

Timothy R. Butler said…
We still need some food redistribution, comrade. I'm sorry I've been remiss. Lately, my only days off are the days I'm sick. But, hopefully, I can make some time redistribution.
8:27 PM
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