How Many Images?

How many images?

How many images do you present to other people?   How many views of yourself do you recognize?  Can you remember what you were like when you were 7 or 14 or 21?

Today I stopped in the office to do some behind the scenes work.  Shortly after arriving, the Culligan truck pulled up behind my car to deliver water.   I always enjoy short conversations with the drivers as they are unloading the water jugs.  I have had this company as my supplier for almost 10 years now. The local store is within viewing of my office so I know many of the office workers, as well.

I know several of the drivers, but one in particular is a great conversationalist.  
We talk about our families.   He has shared about his children, the recent death of his beloved grandmother, and politics.  We discuss our latest triumphs with exercise or health tips we’ve learned.  Today, we talked about traveling and taking on new sports.  Over the years, we have come to know more about one another.  Amazing what a few minutes of repeated encounters can do.   Sort of “over the fence” type of conversations that our grandparents enjoyed.   These still can take place at the local McDonald’s, the vet’s office, or at the Grocery store if we allow them to occur.

I think we may have started to ignore one another and therefore so many people feel lonely.   We go through self check out lanes or we may rush out of church without taking time to chat.  I noticed this last summer when I went to get my mail.   As I went to approach my neighbor, their garage door when down.   Of course they had no idea, I was about to walk over and chat.  I didn’t walk over; felt they were probably in a hurry and missed the chance to say “hello”.  Maybe they think I was in a hurry too.  I will never know.

This photo to the left is of a picture I have had in my office for over 18 years now.   It is a collection of images and the idea is to see how many images one can find.   Take time to study it and see!  I love it even though I keep coming up seeing new faces. It’s still enjoyable.

No doubt that is how many of us learn about our community.   We interact on a regular basis talking, sharing, and encouraging one another on the gloomy days and when the sun is shining brightly.   We find it fills gaps in our thinking and makes us more conscientious of others.  We learn about other businesses in town; we strive to grow and stay connected.

We present totally different images when we are placed in an arena where expectations define us.  Take the student who tries to keep up with homework.   A typical teacher sees  the student in small doses every day.   The student arrives for a 40 minute class, is punctual and turns in their assignments on time.   The teacher sees the student as responsible and interested in the class.  Apart from that session,  the instructor does not see how active or inactive the students are outside of the classroom.

As a high school teacher, I had a homeroom of students.   A break in the day when we’d try to catch our breath; regroup among friends.  I am sure it was meant for taking attendance and sharing school announcements, but for me, it was much more.

We’d share snacks while talking about problems, fears, friends, and family concerns.  I’d hear the good and bad going on outside the classroom.   I’d learn what was possibly keeping them from focusing on their studies or the dreams and visions of what they wanted to pursue.  It was THE BEST PART of teaching.  It was helping them become the best version of themselves.  It was helping them learn more than subject matter.  It was a time when I was most relaxed and in tune with all of them.

When the students left the school, they took on different faces.  They might have taken on other responsibilities?   Perhaps they had part time jobs, cared for siblings with handicaps, went for tutoring, or headed off for sporting events.   They had other interests and identities.

In business, many people put on their masks.   They want others to see only one side of them.   They want to be strong and unique and appear flawless to those who buy their services or products.  They may appear honest and kind,  only to be deceptive or unkind to their families.   (Stay engaged here with these blogs as we will be discussing “Masks” soon.)

In today’s world, people are not always what they appear.   Sometimes we become cynical or question the motives of others.  We might want to take the time to learn more about each other and to pray more for those struggling or wanting to talk.   Peace for your day!