Dear Reader:

Don’t we all remember as children, squabbling with our siblings, cousins, or friends about everything and nothing? In a child’s world, mostly dominated by adults, getting the last word in during an argument brought a certain amount of esteem from our peers.

But as we got older, most of us figured out that trying to get in the last word was just a nonsensical way to never settle an argument. “Yes, you did!” “No I didn’t!” “Did to!” “Did not!”  Unfortunately a certain percent of people can never give up that last little ounce of power…even as adults…or, for that point, even as…dead!

*Do you know someone who always has to have the last word in a conversation or an argument? Everyone has come across this type of person and knows how frustrating or plain sad it is when you see it.

In mythology the “You did it”…”No you did it” famous couple (who are given credit for trying to win the battle of the last word) were Narcissus and Echo.

*Greek Methodology explains this well. Echo, a mountain nymph, had to have the last word in everything, and it was her undoing. While Echo was beautiful with a musical voice, and people enjoyed hearing her talk, this eventually went to her head. Echo took so much pleasure in having the last word in both arguments and normal conversations, that eventually it became her undoing. As the story goes, she fell in love with Narcissus, and he rejected her. (After all, being narcissistic he put himself first.) In return she begged him not to let her go. Narcissus broke her heart  and Echo wasted away and was doomed to a very sad life.

*Article: Founder and Managing Director of Marketing Eye/Mellissah Smith

Think about personalities you know that have to have the last word. With social media today…we see them even more. When we hear people arguing, whether in the work place or simply out and about…we can’t help but think there is still a very insecure little child inside…who can’t let an argument go without getting in the last word. It is definitely a power struggle.

We, poor mere mortals, keep trying to hang on to whatever power we can seize to make us feel in control of any and all situations in life…wherein the reality is simply that God is in control and we are here to share the love and use whatever power we have at our disposal to benefit others.

Think about it…John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Most theologians today consider Christ the Word…’when the word became flesh.’

So then if we look to Jesus for his last words as an example for our own last words…. We find…After announcing “It is finished” Christ proclaim to the world “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”.  

Earlier we were talking about the power of hands and holding hands…and these are the last words on the cross Jesus spoke before his death. “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit.”

“I told you so” last word comments make us feel better in the heat of an argument…but in reality it  just makes us look pretty petty and childish in our approach to differing opinions.

As citizens of the world we need to concentrate on doing what is morally accepting towards all our fellow men…treating them as we would like to be treated. No last words…no power struggle… no “told you so” just words of kindness as we live our daily lives. It is up to all of us to demonstrate what Christ’s life was all about…loving all God’s children.

So until tomorrow…If we can finish our race in life committing our spirit, whole-heartedly to God, then we, not only finished our race…we won!

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

I kept the Dingle boys yesterday afternoon/evening and neither tried to one-up the other one with the last word. Well…I reckon Rutledge couldn’t get in the last word except to let me know he couldn’t breathe. Lachlan wanted to sit in his lap while we watched Toy Story!

It was so good to see those little grandsons again…between their schedules and mine and new medicines…January came and went with no lovin’! But Rutledge was happy to see Boo Boo at his and Lachlan’s brand new pre-school –Primrose- the Roost– just beautiful!

Uncle Tommy stopped by with the little dogs, Atticus and Pip with their flashing red light collars and the boys loved on them until the dogs were looking for shelter.

It is hard to believe my youngest grandson, Lachlan, will be two years old next month on St. Patrick’s Day. Because Rutledge calls Lachlan by his nickname Lache (sounds like Lock-kee) Rutledge’s teacher thinks his name is Lucky. In a way I think she is right…he is “Lucky Lache.”  Rutledge’s new play ground looks like a firetruck…he thinks he has died and gone to heaven…one happy boy.