This morning I was thinking when being slippery is actually a good thing. I happened upon this discovery while cleaning my bathtub. I love those Magic Eraser things and decided to rub down the bath walls with soap first-just because. I was AMAZED at how the bathtub rings slipped off-effortlessly. I mean those magic eraser things work great alone-but with soap-it truly was magic. It reminded me of a lecture we had from the nurses about the importance of washing your hands while singing the ABC song twice; you need to spend the necessary time using soap, rubbing and rinsing with water not to kill the germs but to help germs actually SLIP off. This is the magic cleaning power of slip.
I certainly know that being slippery isn't always a good thing-especially when it comes to "getting a grip" on reality. It can be a scary thing when important things slip my mind-I forget. It seems to be one of the greatest fears of growing old-just losing my mind-piece by piece as it slips away. I remember having a conversation with my mom about the possibility of experiencing some type of dementia in the future. Her response was something like, "Oh I hope when I've lost almost everything that I lose my mind as well so I won't know what's going on-that way I'll be a lot happier because I'll be oblivious to my plight. " Awareness isn't all it's cracked up to be. Forgetting can be a protection against harsh realities of loss. Every school kid has used the excuse, "Oh I lost my homework- or I forgot my paper at home" in hopes of being given a break. I know when I use the excuse "I forgot about it-it slipped my mind" people tend to be a little more forgiving (even though they may think I'm a flake, an airhead, or just plain stupid.
Lack of intelligence (a low IQ) has long been a symptom of people with intellectual disabilities. As we were trying to help our students see outside themselves, we had an opportunity to volunteer at a recreation center for adults who were mentally retarded. I wanted my students to have a greater appreciation for this population and reach out in friendship. I especially noted the example of joyful exuberance from 2 wonderful ladies I was sitting near. One wore Disneyland mouse-ears and was constantly distracted and delighted by the sighted of school buses passing by the window. In fact, she thought I was "cool" because I worked at a school that had 2 yellow school buses. The other gal wore a homemade Christmas hat with what could only be termed as an "ugly sweater". She caught my attention as she sang loudly, shook her rhythmic shaker, and danced in her seat to the music being played by the high school jazz band. Both gals were completely CONFIDENT about their appearance. Both gals were JOYFUL. Both gals were reacting to their environment with childlike DELIGHT. I could tell they could absolutely care less about the judgements or criticism of others because they were unaware of those judgements. They also lacked critical thinking to evaluate the quality of the musical performance. They were mindful-living in the present-delighted in what they saw and heard. I was inspired by their INNOCENCE.
It reminded me of a metaphor one of our therapist uses to "put on your raincoat" and not let the words or judgements of others stick to you. Sticks and stones can't hurt you if they slide right off. In legal world- prosecutors want charges to stick-they don't want the offender to slip away or be held guiltless of alleged crimes. Yet from a defendant's perspective-they want to be cleared of charges-they don't want things to stick. They want to be held guiltless and not accountable. Ultimately they want to be found innocent. One of the most profound moments in all my legal proceedings surrounding my x husband's business dealings, was when the judge read my mind and heart and told the court what he thought regarding my involvement. He noted how I probably trusted my husband and thought it was his money and how I may have been more of a victim than an accomplice. His words and the effect of his words allowed me as a relief defendant to only relinquish monies that were currently in my annuity and not be saddled with additional amounts lost in the annuity from the financial crash of 08-09. This was huge relief. But more than the actual financial easing-the court experience with this judge gave me this feeling of innocence that I will never forget.
Forgetting about injustices or ways others have offended me helps wash away their guilt. When others apologize, I like to say, "Forget about it. It helps reaffirm my desire to be found guiltless at the judgement bar of God. I love the promise that if we repent of our sins relying on the Savior's atonement "the same is cforgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." Forgetting isn't such a bad thing either. Sins can slip away because of the cleansing power of the atonement. Behold the Magic Cleaning Power of Slip!
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