I was off the grid yesterday because I was “celebrating the end of the drought”. Yes, let’s go with that positive spin!
What actually happened was that a storm settled over us for most of the day. Our internet connection was non- existent. I left my umbrella at school weeks ago, so I got wet walking from the house to the truck. The back window of my truck leaked and soaked my emergency blanket. It rained so much that our driveway was nearly impassable. But the pond water is now lapping up against the dock! Yeah…end of drought! So it was a wonderful rainy day… all a matter of perspective (outlook, stance, point of view).
Even now, the things I had planned to do this morning may not get done because our internet connection is somewhat tenuous. There are probably a few clouds and even a little rain left on the horizon. I have “refreshed” a couple of times to no avail. But my little tasks and plans can wait until this afternoon or even tomorrow. The sense of urgency to complete them is all in my head and even this blog post can be postponed without dire consequences. There are more important things ahead of me today. It’s all a matter of priorities (importance, ranking, value).
And I am amenable to change. Okay, sometimes.
Facebook recently announced that I’d better be amenable and cooperative and every other word they can think of for willing, because once again, they are going to change the entire format of FB and I don’t get a choice in the decision. After all, it’s their site. Like it or leave it. And of course they are confident that we are all so addicted to our social networks that we wouldn’t dream of leaving. And I suppose I wouldn’t, unless…. Yes, I am just old enough and stubborn enough to draw a line. There are some things I won’t tolerate and if those occur I would leave FB and go back to my reclusive ways. I’m sure the tipping point for me wouldn’t bother half the people on FB and they would stay there forever. Our differences are just a matter of my perception (discernment, awareness, sensitivity).
I’ve had more than a few “ah ha” moments in my life, but none more profound than the first time I realized that other people not only viewed the world differently, but reacted to shared experiences and events in ways that I found baffling. I suppose I was a naïve child. I grew up with people and situations and rules and expectations that I considered perfectly normal and natural…until the first time a classmate stared incredulously at me and said, “Really?”
School is usually our first inkling that other people do not share our unique understanding of the world. If you don’t believe me, come and visit my classroom. Yesterday two of my kindergartners got into a heated discussion about whether or not Jesus has “magical powers”. Oh, so cute! But also a reminder that even a five-year-old has opinions, ideas, and a perception of reality that may not concur with those of his peers. (And a reminder to me that they are not always thinking about school and their work!)
I guess in my roundabout way I’m just trying to remind you that no matter what happens today, your reaction to it will determine the essence of your experience. In the end it is not reality that creates our conclusions, but our perspective, priorities, and perceptions.
Make it a great day!
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