Oblivious to the Obvious

 

I kept staring.

Looking harder each time.

Is that what I think it is? Or am I just looking for something, anything to entertain myself in this endless airport Starbucks line.

Hands clasped over his generous belly, navy suit coat open, he was totally passed out in a chair. A large man, barely fitting, scrunched down as close to prone as the stiff seating would allow. With sunglasses on to darken the glaring lights, his head had fallen to the side at an awkward angle.

Oblivious to the bustle around him, his long legs were stretched out and propped on his worn brown carry-on. The gate read Managua, Nicaragua.

As I finally picked up my non-fat chi tea latte, I walked closer. He hadn’t moved an inch in ten minutes. Daring to intrude I snapped a picture of his legs.

I was right, it was exactly what I thought it was. Smiling broadly, with a chuckle to myself, I stared at the six inches of toilet paper fluttering off the sole of his shoe along with a white wad stuck to the heel.

We are often oblivious to the obvious. What is so readily apparent to others is often the last thing we notice, if at all.

My sister the counselor once pointed out that I was putting the needs of others before myself to the extent of not taking care of myself. What did she mean? I go to the gym every Wednesday and Friday, usually, unless a client needs a meeting then, or I’m behind with paperwork , or someone needs something I deem more important…oh.

Maybe there is some truth to that statement. As moms and general caretakers, it is easy to lose sight of our own needs. Somehow it feels selfish or maybe not even that. It may be that we are so busy sliding toward giving, giving, giving that we don’t even realize we have emptied our coffers and are headed for a meltdown.

I let stress move in my back room and became oblivious the common sense God gave me.

Suggestions that helped me pack his bags and boot him out: (though he constantly tries to return).

-Have coffee or dinner with girlfriends or a mentor on a regular basis.

-Exercise regularly.

-Have daily quiet time with God.

-Start a Count-Your-Blessings list.

-Have a date night with your husband.

-Take a relaxing bubble bath.

-Take a long look at your children and realize they will be grown too soon, and empty nest will be here faster than you ever imagined.

Perspective is a great stress eraser!

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Proverbs 3:21-22 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace.

-What are some obvious things you have been oblivious to?

-What can you do to address those things and erase the harmful ones while putting the others into perspective?