Slow Down! You Move Too Fast!
In the busy
lives that we create for ourselves, two major things can happen. First, we don’t allow others to see us and
second, we do not slow down long enough to really SEE other people. To make
things even more difficult, many people have become accustomed to wearing masks
that prevent others from seeing who they truly are.
Why are we so
afraid to reveal ourselves and what stops us from confronting the person that
is wearing the mask? Either one is scary.
We risk losing friends when we let people see the real us. We risk
judgment. Confronting the mask wearer is
just as uncomfortable. We risk making them feel we are judging them. We risk losing that friend. Is it really fear,
though, or are we just too busy to take the time for each other?
Masks can put us
in bondage. I think of the old plastic Halloween masks. They would stifle our
voices. Our words would be distorted. Masks can muffle what we are trying to
say. The more that people don’t hear us, the more we withdraw into our world.
Remember what it felt like, though to take those plastic Halloween masks
off? Whew! It would feel so good to be free from that
moist, stuffy covering!
I am guilty of
wearing masks, but I have to say it really is refreshing when somebody truly
sees me. One time that impacted me was right after our house fire. We were trying to move forward and get back
into a routine. A friend of mine stopped
by to see me. She walked in and smiled and said "How are you doing today?"
I was so thankful that I had remembered my
mask. It was a magical mask with the
button so I immediately pushed the button and heard the joyful voice say, “I’m
blessed! Things are great! And how are you?”
My friend lost
her smile, pulled up a chair and took me off guard by saying, “Great … now how
are you really doing?” Panic! I know I remembered my mask! Is the button
broken? Didn’t she hear what it said? I’ve never been one to think quick on my
feet. I immediately covered my face and the tears flowed as I whispered, “This
sucks!” It’s okay to admit that
sometimes life is hard. I had been trying to convince everybody else and myself
that I was okay and I was strong. To quote the Scooby Doo villains, “I would
have gotten away with it too if it hadn’t been for that meddling“ friend. Oh,
my … thank goodness for meddling friends. It took a huge load off to have
somebody have the courage to confront me and the mask I wore. I was able to be
transparent with her. My friend had slowed down long enough to look me in the
eyes and see past my mask. She took a risk and confronted me.
When we slow
down, not only do we see our own surroundings with fresh eyes but we see those
around us in a new light. Everyone has a story. Everybody is dealing with something.
So, instead of hurriedly patting someone
on the shoulder as we pass by them, muttering a quick but kind word, we can
take the time to look into their eyes and have a better chance of perceiving
what words they truly need to hear that day.
We need to start SEEING other
people. Think of the impact that could
be made if we would just slow down!
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Happy Running!
Really good to ponder!
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