First Impressions vs. Reality
This is somewhere between a Grammie Pondering and a Preachin’ Alert
I made the mistake of going to the pool at the wrong time of day. I like to swim in total solitude and am spoiled to having peace and quiet when I swim – except for my out of tune singing as I exercise my spirit as well as my body. Today, the other pool had a rambunctious group of aerobic swimmers who obviously enjoyed one another’s company. It was an interesting time to watch people, their interactions, and their fun.
At first glance, it appeared that all the old ladies were vying for the attention of the one old man in the class. They were giggling like school girls!
The reality is because of his job, the man knows most everyone in town. Not only that, he can call them by name! He remembers to ask about your mama, your grandkids, and even your great grandmama if you have lived in town long enough! His charismatic personality and his care for others light up a room. Or a pool in this case.
Which got me to thinking.
I have recently been trying to change my wicked ways. Rather, I’m trying to make sure my outer appearance reflects my inner joy. My ‘resting face’ is not supposed to be neutral and surely not a frown . I have been trying to maintain a pleasant demeanor even when I’m sitting around. They say it takes more energy to smile than frown, and baby, I need to burn all the calories I can! Plus, I think my ‘thinky’ face gives me wrinkles. Smile lines are way better than frowny wrinkles.
Sometimes, I’m in the zone and don’t even notice people around me. In today’s society, it is dangerous to be oblivious to my surroundings. To walk around ignoring everyone as I concentrate on my agenda is just plain old rude!
Like I said, I’m trying to change my ways. The other day, I walked around Thomaston’s shopping mecca, Walmart. I didn’t think about it much until people started to look at me funny. I realized I was smiling. And they smiled back! After a few people gave me big smiles, I checked to make sure I didn’t have a dryer sheet stuck to the tail end of my sweater or a Velcro® curler still attached to my hastily coiffed head. I finally decided since my smile was genuine, maybe theirs was too. It felt good to connect.
I dare you to go around work or a store this week smiling directly at people and see what kind of reaction you get. Join me in working to learn another’s name. Both things acknowledge a person’s worth.
So that was my Grammie Pondering. Here’s the Preachin’ Alert.
If a mere man is winsome because he knows my name, how much more is God? Isaiah 43:1 says God not only calls my by name, He redeems me, and calls me His very own child. How wonderful is that?
Blessings
KB
P.S. Have you ever practiced how to smile? I do! We are getting our pictures made soon, and I have to see how to hold my head at just the right angle so the wrinkles and double-chin don’t show. Come on, now! Admit it! You do too!
