Six Seven! Have you heard this “word”?

Merriam-Webster defines it like this. “Six seven (or 67 or 6 7, etc.) is a nonsensical expression used especially by teens and tweens that is connected to a rap song and also to a 6’ 7” tall basketball player.

Teens and adults alike have tried to explain it. Some say it means “so-so,” especially since kids often pair the phrase with an up-and-down hand motion. Others argue it refers to a person who is tall, some think it stands for a basketball term, and so on. The bottom line is, the term “six seven” is nonsensical—which is sort of the point. As one tween TikToker put it under another video, “I think the point is that it makes no sense.”
All through Christmas vacation when the grandkids were here - that’s all we heard!!! Six/seven!
Six/Seven is way more than a word to me though. I turned 67 last January in Antigua - 361 days ago. It was a fun year to be 6/7! In four short days - another trip around the sun begins.

I love quotes. When I see one I want to remember - I write them down in my journal - to read and re-read. Here are some of my favourite quotes from the past year - my year of being 6/7 - things I learned - things I want to share with others - whimsical things - some happy - some sad - some funny - some thought provoking - some spiritual - some political - some about families - some about growing older………Here are a few of my favourites!

Portia - from the Merchant of Venice - “The quality of mercy is not strain’d. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven - upon the place beneath. It is ‘twice blest’. It blessed him that gives and him that receives.” (Act IV Scene I) I am reminded that it is an extraordinary gift to both give mercy and to receive mercy…..it marks a difference from the world view. Our culture doesn’t encourage this characteristic.

Dead Poets Society - “We don’t read and write poetry and stories because it’s cute. We read and write because we are members of the human race….and the human race is filled with passion. Medicine, law, business, engineering - are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain. life. But - books, poetry, beauty, romance and love - well - these are what we stay alive for.” Everyone has a story. I spent more time listening this past year - more time asking questions - less time talking - more time encouraging family and friends to tell me their stories - to share their hearts and passions and dreams. It’s what makes the world go around!

Toby Mac - “God is working for you today. Heaven is holding conversations about you. Angels have been assigned to you. Be at peace. Leave it in His capable hands.” I can only imagine these conversations. I am blown away that the God of all the universe is talking to the angels about my well-being. This is so meaningful to me. What comfort. What joy. What a blessing to know that all of heaven is cheering for me - encouraging me - spurring me onward and upward - working things out for my good. It’s humbling and keeps me in perfect peace.

Unknown - “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” I’m constantly reminded that in this world of “dog eat dog” how important it is to build each other up - to compliment a stranger with the colour of her dress - to tell a “sister” that her smile lights up a room - to remind a friend that their place in your life is not just needed, it’s enjoyed and wanted. My light doesn’t grow dimmer by speaking life into another. It doubles the enjoyment.

C.S. Lewis - “I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time…..waking or sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” Prayer is such a gift from God to us. He calls us to Himself. He beckons us to tell Him everything at any time of the day or night - I think especially in the night. Only a loving Father listens to the cries of His child at 3 am and offers comfort and peace and rest.

Unknown - “I absolutely adore my grown up kids. But there are times I miss their littleness with a force that steals the breath out of my lungs.” As the years go by - the more I remember - their tiny hands and feet - their tiny voices calling out - their chubby arms wrapped around my neck - their first words - their scraped knees - their broken hearts - their laughter and giggles - their everything. I remember and there are moments I’d like them back - but alas - they live in my heart.

Annawin - “I thought God lived in the miracles. But I met Him in the waiting. In the mornings with nothing new. In the pain of surrender when nothing made sense. But I trusted anyway.” I’ve spent time in the waiting rooms of life. Waiting for healing. Waiting for reconciliation. Waiting for a friendship to be renewed. Waiting for a phone call. Waiting for an invitation. Nothing to do but wait and trust. And it’s been in the waiting where I’ve grown stronger - wiser - calmer - dependent - more courageous.

Diane Keaton - “I never understood the idea that you’re supposed to mellow as you get older. Slowing down isn’t something I relate to at all. The goal is to continue in good and bad - in all of it………to continue to express myself……..to feel the world…….to explore…..to be with people……to risk……to love. I just want to know more and see more and feel more!” Don’t you love this? Do you just want to shout “hallelujah”! I do! Slowing down is not in my vocabulary! Continue. Live. Feel. Move. Love. Hug. Try. Smile.

Pastor Spencer - “In a compromised culture - I will stand for truth. In a cancelled culture - I will fight for others. In a self-centred culture, I will walk humbly with God.”

Jess Urlichs - “Can we put someone in power - who plants seeds and not fear? Makes sure every single person - at the table has a chair. Can we put someone in power - who leads with their heart - who builds bridges - not walls - to keep families apart? Can we put someone in power - who knows the weight of a cry - that shatters your soul - that breaks you inside? Can we put someone in power - who will mend and not break - doesn’t lead to feel big - who will give, not just take? Can we put someone in power - who is still willing to learn - use their fire for warmth - not to tear down and burn? Someone who cares about people and the smallest voice - not just profit and power - who gives people a choice? A person who feels the grief of another? Maybe the world should be ruled by a MOTHER.” No explanation needed!

See ya 6/7! Bring on 6/8!