Every family has catch phrases or words that are part of their shared lexicon. To outsiders, a family's dialogue can sound odd, even rude. But to each other, it can just be a playful way to connect.
When my younger son, Zack, was a teenager, he met me at our door one afternoon. I was delighted to be greeted and have someone open the door for me. Instead, he laughingly said "Mama, get out!" and shut the door in my face. We laughed and he opened the door again, this time for me to enter. And of course I rejoined "You can get out!" And that was it. The addition of these phrases into our family lexicon.
To this day, I say it to my sons and they respond in kind, usually via text. It has now become a sort of call and response. One of us texts OUT and the other responsds YOU or simply U. It never fails to bring a smile to my face. Silly? Maybe. Joyful? Definitely!
In 2017, my husband, my older son, his wife, and I got to visit Zack in Yokahama when he was living and working there for a telecom company. I was delighted to visit and full of wonder at Japan's beauty and charm. Opon our arrival, we visited his matchbox size apartment and then he took us on a walking tour of the city.
One stop on our tour was the Yokohama Landmark Tower. This 70 foot skyscraper is the second highest building in Japan and offers a Sky Garden Observatory on the 69th floor with 360 degree views of the city. We crowded on an elevator with other tourists which quickly deposited us at our destination. The city and harbor sprawled around us on all sides and we were able to fully appreciate the size of the city and the architecture of its buildings. An astonishing sight.
Zack then casually motioned us over to a tower viewer, (mounted binoculars) and suggested we take a look. He said we might be able to find his apartment and then took a turn to find it himself. Once successful, he encouraged me to take a look. And there it was, a sign plastered on his apartment window printed with the words GET OUT!
I have this phrase on my mind today but for a different reason. Early this morning I stood for a time on my front porch with my mother's overnight caregiver as she waited for her ride home. In the cloudy, quiet morning, the calls and trills of a sympany of birds could be heard without the intrusive sounds of traffic or lawnmowers. The air was wet, but cool, a deep breath as refreshing as a draught of cold water. The verdant green was the fulfillment of the promise of spring, a natural antidote for my busy inside life.
I realized in those few moments how much I ignore the beauty right outside my front door. My tantalizing look at morning encouraged me to prioritize time outside. Being in nature, even if it's simply your front yard is a gift for our souls, and one we must open daily.
So this day, I encourage you to just...
GET OUT!
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Psalms 23:2
