By
Dana Rausch
/ September 15, 2014
Our family had just finished dinner and we were lounging in the living room. Sitting on the love seat my nine year old daughter was drinking a can of Mountain Dew. Next to her was my six year old son. Alarmed, he blurted out, “Brittany! Do you not know that Mountain Dew will lower your sperm count?”
Fighting the urge to erupt in laughter I calmly asked him if he knew what sperm was. His response was a strong NO! When asked where he heard that information f he shared a school mates name that interestingly had older brothers. I proceeded to carefully explain that his sister did not have sperm and that we should not repeat things we don’t know about.
Amusingly, around that same time a girlfriend stated to me that I was aloof. I had no idea what that meant. I didn’t know if I had just been ridiculed or complimented.
But instantly a memory surfaced of my junior high years. One of the most popular girls on campus sat in front of me in history class. She turned one day and asked me a question. I had no idea what she was talking about but to cover my shame and embarrassment, I shrugged my shoulders and awkwardly answered yes. Later I found out the meaning of her question and should never have answered yes.
So when I heard the word aloof, I was quick to look up its meaning. The definition was unpleasant. The word aloof means distant, remote, unsympathetic, indifferent, disinterested, and cold. It makes you appear unapproachable, unfriendly, unsociable and uppity. I had no clue that I was aloof. Every one of the definitions is the complete opposite of how I want to be! I was/am eternally grateful for her loving me enough to bring that to my attention. I have thanked her repeatedly through the years. Why?
Often times we cannot see the blind spots in our own lives. We are unaware of our flaws and faults which are to our own detriment for we can’t change what we do not know.
Selfishness is one of our major blind spots. It is hard for a person to see their own selfishness. Of course, everyone is selfish to some degree, but ask yourself:
· Do I only enjoy what benefits me?
· Do I just think of myself?· Do I always have to get my own way?
· Do I put down others to feel superior?
· Do I feel entitled or deserving?
· Am I demanding or controlling?
Ephesians 4:2 says, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
If we are selfish – we are not humble and gentle BUT prideful and harsh. If we are selfish – we are not patient BUT demanding.
If we are selfish – we do not make for allowances BUT are intolerant.
If we are selfish – we do not love BUT we dislike.
I need to look in the mirror again for I’ve revealed more of my blind spots.
