dailydatewithgod

So much of what we are often faced with is the overlay of something else.  The element which presents itself as a problem is the piece that comes as a result of something else or is an extension of another piece.  The original cause has wrapped itself around in such a fashion that we are not clear on its origin.  We find ourselves trying to figure out the purpose of the lapel without knowing what coat it is attached to.  We deal with symptoms and effects instead of looking at the causes and conditions.  I know from my experience in recovery, the longer I spend time focusing on the lapel the less effective I will be at determining the purpose of the garment.  So much of what is happening when we interact with others is people showing each other their lapels but not their coats.  It is like trying to dress someone based on their accessories. I am no fashionista but I believe the basic garments are picked first.   Shopping to find a dress to match the shoes always led me on a wild goose chase but then again if I was a fashionista I would probably love the chase. Besides, who is looking at the shoes?  The last time I focused primarily on the shoes was when I wore a uniform to school.  One has to stand out somehow, right?  But I digress.  My primary focus is not on the lapels when I choose a coat or a shirt. They may be super chic but if the shirt is the wrong size or the body of it is not my color, it will not work.  Yet when we deal solely in symptoms and effects we are doing the same.  God invites us to pause and notice from where the lapel of a person’s actions or ideas are extending.  The lapels are the words and actions.  The body of the garment is the purpose behind the words and actions.  It is easy and immediate to react to the lapel.  It takes the wisdom of the breath to pause and notice we are wearing the same garment.