Rethink… Clarify… Restate

Rethink, Clarify, and Restate:

Every morning, for several years now, I have been praying, asking for, and receiving a fresh morning thought. Maybe this is not unique to you, but when it seems the social world is constantly repeating the same quotes and ideas over and again… well, you can only dress up a pig so many ways, but it will always smell the same.

When everyone seems to be on the same quote or scripture cycle, then seeing the same idea posted a gazillion times a day only makes you question the reality of the world of social mechanics.

As I have repeatedly stated, I agree with Solomon:

There is nothing new under the sun.
(Ecclesiastes 1:9)

Yet, I have not heard or learned everything there is to know!

My inquisitive mind keeps searching for a new idea to represent my structured life. A repackaged statement from the right person at the right time will seem like something new. I’m okay with that! I may modify it fit my world, report it as better than sliced bread, repeat it outward and pray it will mean something to the right person, at the right time.

Over the past few months, I’ve taken a few minutes to re-read some of my prior posts. Am I still on track with the same message of who I am, what I believe, and what I think is important to write about? Has my algorithm progressed, or is it stuck in the past?

Looks like it. Perhaps. Well. Maybe!

My first post at my old location, other than the “Hello World” opening entry, dealt with my view of Algorithms. Do not feel like you have to click on it, but essentially I started talking about the codes of life we live that help us to find a path to success. God told Joshua to walk according to the law (algorithm) and he would be prosperous and have good success! (Joshua 1:8-9)

There’s nothing wrong with having a good plan and the sticktoitiveness to follow the plan!

As we age, our perspective broadens and deepens. We see the long view in hindsight, and knowing we are more rapidly coming to the end, we start noticing the little things more closely.

I do see things from a different perspective as I move through life, hence my process of rethinking my position and the lessons learned through the years, helps me keep on my established path as directed by my algorithm. It’s not that my position will change dramatically, but experiences and age seem to paint different hues of the same idea. A few more hills and valleys, sharp turns, and heavier traffic keep me clarifying my thought process. With a deeper toolbox, I can perhaps restate my beliefs and thoughts for a broader and differently savvy audience.

As I begin this re-thinking, clarifying and restating process, my presentation may not be up to speed and I will revert to some age-old techniques as I scope out the future. You know, something as simple as pen and paper, grease board, or, hey…how about Crayola’s?

The color of our lives has become so complex that we look at our art supplies and realize the multitude of paths we’ve taken, and the end product of who we’ve become, that we’ve forgotten the beginning years of using crayons.

Crayola is updating its tools for the beginner, as well as the adult. Crayons meant for kids to keep improving, just like those new-fangled coloring pencils for the discerning advanced user is creeping into everyday life. Crayola drops products, colors, and packaging while adding new and improved versions to their product line, all to keep up with the times.

In fact, there was a contest to name a new color! Crayola dropped Dandelion and is adding a strikingly new “BLUE” to the mix.

Now… I’m not trying to make you go back to your childhood and relive the joy of crayons! But think about it for a moment. If there is nothing new under the sun, then there’s nothing wrong with rethinking your views as if you were a child learning for the first time. How do I hold this crayon? Keep within the borders? Draw freehand and interpret the results for others? Not draw on the walls! How do I put them away for another day?

Why? I was thinking of a technical and scientific article I was reading the other day. No. I did not understand even 1% of it, although I knew the English words! The foundation of knowledge was missing. Hence my thought. If I write, preach, teach or talk and assume everyone knows the same foundation of my background, then what happens with those that know nothing but the language?

They are as lost as I was with that technical article.

This morning, I am beginning a process of rethinking, clarifying and restating some basic beliefs. It’s not an exercise in futility, nor will it be a daily regurgitation of my thoughts. Rather, it’s an affirming process.

Care to join me? It will not be difficult, nor a deeply thought out process unless you choose to make it so. For you… Over the new few months, I will document it with an #RCR hashtag (Rethink, Clarify, Restate) and will create a new category in my blog to clump them all together. I expect it to affirm my beliefs, while at the same time make my communication with others more appropriate to the day we are living in.

Time will tell how my communication skills will improve, and how relational I can be with the new world we are part of, and hopefully can help share the foundation that I think is very important. Rethink. Clarify. Restate.

See you along the journey!