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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: SLIP OF THE TONGUE (01/26/17)
Real Change



“Why are you speaking in riddles? -Just say what you want to say!” my son said, frustrated at me for not tossing my advice his way to fix a problem he was having. …But I wasn’t speaking in riddles. I was simply asking questions instead of providing answers. He is eighteen years old. He does not need me, his mother, to tell him what to do anymore. He needs to begin to think about life for himself. My temptation as a mom IS to tell him what he should do. I was fighting my own battle to restrain my tongue from slipping him my two cents again…



Of course I knew the thing he should do. I have lived a lot longer than he has. I have plenty of experience at making mistakes. I am quite an expert at sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong – and proudly leaving behind a tip worth two whole cents…I am quite a little army of small change…all by myself. So as a woman, to fight this temptation, I altered my battle plan. Instead of marching forward and firing off answers, I retreated to the back and lobbed questions at him from the rear…



“What is one thing you could do to alleviate some of your stress? How could you better use the resources around you?” My son already knew the answers to all of my questions. They were in his own head. His temptation was to wait for me to tell him what he should do. My temptation was just to tell him what he should do and get it over with. The battle was on as we both fought against our natural inclination to sin. …The struggle was real…



Finally, I fled far enough away from the noise and smoke of the battle to hear the real question being asked...to me. The same question Jesus asked to the lame man by the pool. “Did I want to get well?”…Then I should pick up my mat and walk away. I should sin no more. My son didn’t need my two cents worth of advice. When I continue to give him my two cents – that’s exactly how I’ve made him feel – like two cents – still waiting for change. Literally. Both of us.



When he needed real advice, he would ask for it. It would cost him something. It’s sad to think Peppermint Patty may have had a better understanding of this than I do. She had a stand to offer advice and charged a nickel for it. …I just toss my two cents at people, hoping to hit someone as they walk by… God said if anyone lacks wisdom he should ask for it. I definitely do. The price it will cost me? Humility. It’s the change I always have at my disposal any time I feel like spending it – it just doesn’t slip off my tongue as easily as my own two cents does… If I want to really be well, I shouldn't throw pennies and make wishes. I need to lay my nickel on the counter and expect some real change.
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This article has been read 593 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
02/03/17
Everyone who has ever has a teenager can definitely relate to this heartfelt entry.

I'm not sure that it's entirely on topic, since a 'slip of the tongue' is a verbal mistake, usually humorous or embarrassing. There's usually a posting on the forums every week clarifying the writing topic; if you haven't checked that out, we'd love to see you on the forums.

I enjoyed your writing style very much--it was casual and authentic, nothing 'cookie cutter' about it. Well done.
Sherry Brock
02/03/17
I think it's a real talent to translate ones natural wit to the written word, and you have it!

I loved the line about lobbing questions from the rear...I actually laughed out loud. Raising teenagers can often feels like a battleground with words as weapons. You captured that so well.

A very enjoyable read. Please, please keep writing- I can wait to read more.
Sherry Brock
02/03/17
Oops- meant to say: I can't wait to read more.
Dennis Gallemore
02/07/17
A commentary relevant to many, including myself. Keep calm and write on!
Phillip Cimei
02/07/17
As a father of seven I related so well to your story. Thanks! Many times I had wished I had taken the back door instead of giving advice. I think Jan is right about being on topic. Your story was so wonderful,, but I think the Judges might ding you on that point. You will make it up on the other seven points they judge on. Great job. And I will probably get dinged on my story also. I took the definition of the internet, not the forum, to come up with mine. It said," an error in speaking in which a word is pronounced incorrectly, OR in which the speaker says something unintentionally." Thanks Jan for the advice.
C D Swanson 
02/10/17
Congrats!
Blessings~
Teresa Trotter
02/15/17
I don't have any children. However, I feel this concept can be applied to various relationships. I like your approach. I too have a bad habit of putting my two cents in, even when it is not asked for...Lol. That lately...I have gone to the other extreme, and don't say anything. Good read.
Bea Edwards 
04/10/17
This was a wonderful 'nickel' tale and a well deserved level win.