Dense

Sometimes I just don’t get the obvious.  It isn’t that I am dumb; rather my inability to understand usually comes down to one of three things.
 
First, I’ve already know what is going to happen, what I am going to see, or how things are going to play out.  Given this knowledge everything fits, even if it doesn’t.
 
Second, I am ready to take a decision, make a choice, or move to action.  Even if the facts do not support the next step, I am committed.
 
Third, whatever I am seeing doesn’t make sense.  In my confusion the only “decision” is to play it out like I understand.
 
Sometimes I am truly dense.  I’m not the first, probably won’t be the last.  Even when the things turning out totally differently than anyone expected, I try staying the course.  I’m trapped in Mary’s model.  When “she [Mary] turned away and saw Jesus standing there [at the tomb]. But she didn't recognize him.  Jesus spoke to her, ‘Woman, why do you weep?  Who are you looking for?’
 
She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, ‘Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him.’” (John 20.14-15)
 
Today is bright, open, and potentially full of opportunities.  You and I can do something most people find themselves unable to do; be open, aware, and reacting.  Imagine how different things can be if one is open and aware to what is actually unfolding.  Assumptions have been put to the side.  Conclusions have been postponed pending real experiences.  Experiencing sensors are on high alert!  No dense people here.  Instead you have people on the lookout for opportunities, lending a reaching hand even before being asked, and sharing a smile with those who need it most.
 
In any situation you find intelligent people.  What you often don’t find is engaged, compassionate people acting with intelligence.  It is as if most, me included, switch our minds into neutral when we “engage” in real living.  Today we can move into a model of opportunities filled with compassion.