Bowties are not something I often wear. Just the thought reawakens every fear, uncertainty, and doubt within me. The limited bowties in my closet are dominated by adjustable, pre-tied examples that while functional, go against my sense of fashion. One should be able to tie one’s tie, even if it is a bowtie.
I have to date never successfully tied my own tie in under an hour. I think I may have tied one once in that amount of time but it is so far ago that it is beyond remembering. I know that it is not going to happen.
I also know that when I shut my eyes and visualize the process that I am able to do it each and every time. When I open my eyes, take charge, and follow the steps, nothing works! As simple as it was in the darkness, it is frustratingly difficult. Nothing works. Nothing comes together. It is a mess!
Tonight I have a black-tie dinner. All things being equal, the suit and formal shirt requires a bowtie. With history clearly in view, today’s problem is clear. As much as I want to be optimistic, the situation is not promising.
I looking to the challenge I found myself calling “out to High God, the God who holds me together.” (Psalm 57.2) There must be an answer somewhere, even as I think about the trivialness of a bowtie. As I struggled a question kept coming back. If one cannot do it for one’s self why not let go and let others help? The traditional response of having someone else tie your tie was not viable yet the question kept coming back. In a moment of inspiration I shut my eyes and let go. As I stopped thinking and let truth lead, I opened my eyes to a mirror reflecting a tied bowtie.
It felt odd. I wanted to be in charge yet I reached my goal by letting go. I needed control yet found something more by losing it. I wanted to lead yet being blind led to progress.
