The people
who follow my posts and blogs are supportive—and wise. I recently wrote two
blog posts regarding the need for perseverance and practice in order to achieve
our goals. I also stipulated that we may need to follow certain criteria to
attain some goals. One Google+ friend sagely wondered who (or what) gave some
individuals the right to decree the manner of accomplishing tasks.
He makes a
valid point. What works for some people might not work for others. Also, there’s
often more than one way to achieve many goals. So, does that mean that one way
is always right and one way is always wrong? Taken further, does that mean that
we’re “wrong” if we take a different route to a common destination?
I would say “No!”
In the image above, the people are all dressed in business attire. They look
similar and they are headed in the same direction. However, it’s easy to see
that the path is soon going to diverge into at least three different paths.
Should only the people who follow the most “popular” path consider themselves
worthy? Why should they feel that way when everyone started on the same trail,
and they’ll all reach the same destination? In the end, they’re all in it
together.
Personally,
I think that the yellow “different” ball in the image above appears to be much
happier than the aptly-colored, frowning blue balls. The ball stands out from
the crowd; yet, he appears to be well adjusted. He is not allowing the
hundreds, or thousands, of blue balls to bring him down. They
don’t define him. He is yellow and happy. He has chosen that over being sad
and blue.
Google+
I have not
been a member of Google+ for long. Yet, I have been blessed to meet a variety
of people from all over the world. Some relate to my way of thinking; some don’t.
That’s to be expected. I’m dealing with different cultures, life experiences,
and value systems:
- Sam is probably young enough to be my son. Similar to many of his generation, he is outgoing and carefree. (The realities of life may not have hit him yet.) He uses emoticons quite often; and, he doesn’t care if his grammar and punctuation are perfect. He thinks that I’m too intense. He considers that smiling is a cure for everything.
- George is a religious man. He often posts bible-related posts. On the other hand, he also posts images that I consider to be inappropriate.
- I blog about what’s important to me, in my own fashion, as do all other bloggers. Bloggers on Google+ may review books, movies, musicals, or music; blog about the writing process; or write about their own personal challenges, triumphs, and travels. The truth is that there’s not a “right way” to blog—anymore than there is only one path to any given goal.
So, should
we judge those who have not chosen our same path? More than that, should we
judge ourselves when we inevitably fall off-course?
The Bible
clarifies the fact we are not our own judges, or anyone else’s judges. Acts
10:34 says that God is no respecter of persons.
My Conclusion
Variety is
the spice of life. What would most meals be without spice—especially to a
person from India? We can all glory in our uniqueness and in the uniqueness of
others.
Our job is to become the best
people we can be while we help others to accomplish the same goal.
How have you
empowered other people?
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