Speaking Hawaiian

A great work of fiction centered around Hawaii recently flew before my eyes at every available naptime of my children, leaving several impressions with me.

One: My husband and I should really vacation in Hawaii sometime. Soon. Without the kids.

Two: Love and forgiveness are absolutely essential in a marriage. Even more so than squeezing the toothpaste from the correct end and leaving the toilet seat down.

Three: I need to speak more Hawaiian. Fortunately for me, since i don't speak ANY, even speaking ONE word will accomplish that goal.

Aloha.

That's my new word.

In the old, original language, Aloha meant "God in us." That, along with its other meanings, including those intimating love, sweeps along to the particular meaning that caught my attention.

"I recognize the divine in you." I see God in you.

And, since Aloha is as flexible as the palm trees bending in the tropical breezes, it can be used in greeting or farewell... or just about anytime.

In the morning, when my kids wake up, I'll greet them with an Aloha (I'd greet my husband that way in the morning, but lately he's been up at a time that i don't recognize as part of the day.)

When my children are fussing or throwing a fit ... "Aloha! And let me show you to your room. It's a bit far from the beach, but i'm sure you'll find it accommodating."

On the rare mornings when i AM up to wave Husband off to work... Aloha. When he comes home... Aloha! (sorry, no exclamation point in the AM)


God is so awesome -- today's Bible reading for our City Church Women's blog is Psalm 31 & 32. And sure enough, it tied into my Hawaiian thoughts.

"God's my island hideaway, keeps danger from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck" (32:7).

So while i might not be on the sandy shores of the islands, i CAN rest in God. He'll provide the leis, and I'll say Aloha! to people and situations -- including myself in the mirror -- knowing that God IS in us.


Aloha!