Picking your battles

Olivia wanting earrings reminds of the time I was innocently watching tv and my chair faced down the hallway. I could see Loni getting ready to go out. I did not like what she was wearing, no sir, not one bit. I started to say something to her and then thought, "I should pray that the Lord will help me be tactful and say the right things the right way." So I prayed and it went something like this:

"Dear Heavenly Father, I need help talking to Loni about her clothes."
"What's wrong with her clothes?"
Confused silence
"Look at them...I mean...c'mon..."
"Yes. I see them. What's the problem with her clothes?"
Stunned silence [to self: are we looking at the same kid?]
"I mean...well, look at them...what I mean is, well just look at them."
"I like them."
"You...like...them?"
"Yes. Don't you?"
"NO! I think she should change into something more appropriate."
"I think they are highly appropriate."
"What am I missing here?"
"Explain to me what is wrong with her clothes."
"Ok...I can't seem to put it into words..."
"There is nothing inappropriate with them. You just don't like them."
"Exactly! I don't like them."
"But I do."

This was getting nowhere.

"Ok...teach me, then, about clothes."
"NOW, we can talk. If there is something she does that will have eternal consequences, you need to intervene immediately. If there is something that will have lifelong consequences but will not keep her from eternal life, you need to decide if it is best to step in or just let her learn like I let you learn. If it is a style choice only, then maybe she is right and you are wrong."
"Oh, yeah. I have no right to judge clothes. Her clothes cover the right spots, they are tasteful, even stylish. They are not what I would wear, but I would make a horrible girl. So...they are ok and I should just...what...?"
"Compliment her."
"That's a tough one."
Silence
"Ok...amen."

"Loni!?"
"Yeah?"
"I like your clothes. You look nice. You have a knack for choosing nice clothes."

Stunned silence.

"Uh...thanks, dad..."

I don't think she ever wore that outfit again. Problem solved on many levels.

*************************

Went to Bonefish Grill on Kingston Pike for my birthday with Cindy, Loni, and her friend Christ. Very nice young man. Cindy and I had been to the one in Turkey Creek, the upscale one, and had a great experience. This one was not so much. Took two hours to eat, kept getting served by different people because we were technically seated in the bar area, though at a booth, and there were long lapses between help. She finally came back to ask about dessert, which the manager had already promised me for free since it was my birthday, and we ordered. Waited, then finally I just went up to ask for the bill. Had to ask for it. The manager heard, which I intended, and suddenly we got dessert, two of them free, plus my coke for free. As in Coca cola, not, you know. Then the check finally came, after another long wait. Not going back there. Worth driving 15 more minutes.

Still, I got a nice pair of shoes, cologne, and Cindy got my motorcycle fixed nearly all the way. Still have a couple things to do. All in all, a very nice birthday. Thank you everyone.