"I Don't Think That Means What You Think It Means"

Our family has phrases and lines we use often. Some are from movies, some are from life experiences. For instance, when the boys were younger we went through Jack's drive-thru, I believe it was after karate one night. We didn't go to Jack's often so it was probably for a special occasion milk shake. We sat and sat, the famous muffled speaker didn't make a sound. Jeff says

"Hello?"

A very disgruntled employee replies "You gon hafta wait a minute".

"No, no we don't actually" Jeff chuckled as we drove off. Of course he didn't tell them that and we are fully compassionate to someone having a hard day so don't come at me and miss what I'm say'n here... haha We have laughed about that for years and used the line many times when it applies and sometimes when it doesn't :)

There's one line that I've found we use often but it actually means so much more than these 2 words.

Be Careful

We were watching our feisty 3 year old grand Princess last week. We had baked cookies and we were going to share with a friend. I was telling Papi that we would be back in a minute, she pipes up and says "and we'll be careful ok". It made my heart smile because, she had obviously heard those words many times but does she fully know what they mean?

This has sat on my heart as I've come and gone in life's many tasks and adventures this last week. Each time I hear those words from friends and loved ones, I stop and think of all they are REALLY saying...

Stay alert
Don't take any chances
Watch out for distracted drivers
Don't text and drive
Obey traffic laws
Consider the cost
Let me know when you make it there safely

I love you
You're important to me
I want to see you again
I'm aware of all of the possibilities and I'm trusting you to care for you like I do
Thank you for being in my life

But it comes out in 2 words

Be Careful.

It's safe to say these words carry over into all aspects of our lives, not JUST driving.
We know accidents are going to happen, "life" is going to happen, being careful doesn't eliminate all booboos and ouches I totally get that.. but can I just say...

Be Careful.

You are loved.
You are cherished.
You are important.

Be Careful.