Someone texted me to let me know about the newly released guidelines for our region, since our COVID numbers have consistently been rising.
C: New restrictions.
S: We got in trouble. Like in school when two people were passing notes and everyone had to stay in for recess.
C: I wonder how ____ will respond.
S: People will not be happy either way.
C: Lots of hard decisions.
S: It’s a minefield of poop piles.
C: Very true.
I’ve written frequently about the many messes we seem to be maneuvering lately. I know a minefield of poop piles is a smelly topic, but I want to encourage you. I grew up on a farm, and I know for sure, it’s possible to maneuver around the poop. I don’t think a lot of people are doing so.
We get determined to get from point A to point B, and we forge forward. In the process, we take a lot of stench and mess with us wherever we go. Others might not know what they’re smelling or why. We might be the cause, perhaps not because of our determination but our lack of attention. We are focused on other things, and potentially good things—talking with others or investigating the truth—and we don’t watch where we’re going. No matter what the reason, the result is the same. We share the stench and mess wherever we go.
Then, unfortunately, there is the option that is more intentional. We actually use the stench and mess as ammunition. I know, very few of us will admit to it, but let’s be honest: some of our conversations, accusations, harshness, and rationalizations do a lot of slimy slinging. It’s gross in more ways than one.
But there’s another option. Be aware of where you are, where you’re going, where you’re stepping. Watch. Stay alert. Pay attention. It doesn’t seem difficult, yet if that’s the case, why is there so much stench and mess? Why are we making a stinky, yucky situation worse when we could have the opposite effect?
Just pause. Look around. Reflect. Consider. Do you even know how you got to where you’re standing right now, or is it discombobulating and confusing?
One more thing about poop: It’s part of life, and it can be great for growth. Yet another simple farm lesson for the day. (You’re welcome.) You’re not going to get rid of it all. But let’s let it work the way it’s supposed to, not sludge through it and carry it where it shouldn’t be. It’s time to take the next steps. Will you watch where you’re stepping or not? How will your decisions impact others?
To stink or not to stink—that is a question.
Pure Purpose 