Out of Sight, Out of Mind
It’s an old saying, quaint but true. If you are not visible on a regular basis, you are seldom thought about and eventually, someone says, “Hey, you ever see so-and-so?” “Nope. Haven’t thought of them in a coon’s age!”
We’ve all experienced this feeling of standing out, being known, having friends, and then for some reason we simply fade into the woodwork. Some struggle with losing the limelight, others sort of enjoy the thought of hiding in the shadows.
Me… It all depends!
I’m sure we’ve seen obituaries about once famous people and thought, “They’re still alive?” Well. No. You just read their obituary. How did it happen that they went quietly into the night? Instead, why did they not rage against the night? (Thinking of Dylan Thomas, here.)
The one thing I know it’s often easier to simply fade away instead of having an exit scene. The problem with this idea is that you have so much to offer, even if you are tired of the competition of staying relevant. Back in the day I never thought twice about picking up a new technology tool because it’s on the cutting edge, but I’ve always hated letting loose of that which was known and familiar, hence my storage closet is full of old things that are hard to let loose.
This morning, and for the past few days, I’ve been thinking about how we re-enter the game when we feel like we’ve been ostracized or put out to pasture. Even when a favorite exits stage left, we are happy when they come back for a cameo appearance. (Ichiro is coming back to the Mariners to play one last year closing out his MLB career.) True. There are times you grow too old for the work you want to do, but as with Caleb, I believe there is still a mountain left to conquer for most of us, even as we age! (Joshua 14:12)
We may just need to change our focus. Instead of looking for that which we can no longer do, look for something we can do. Then get up and do it!
I read a story about how amputation essentially causes the severed part to die because there is no blood flow to keep the tissues viable. An amputated limb can be reattached with special care, but do nothing and it will simply die.
My question this morning. Do you want to reconnect before the blood flow loses its power to keep you alive? Then take drastic measures! Tear down the walls. Build up your strength! Hone your skills. Look for an opportunity! There is much to be done, even if you feel like you’ve been on the outside for a while…
I’m just saying. It’s not too late…unless you keep a defeatist attitude!