Have you ever lived in cold weather climates? If so, then you understand the concept of dressing in layers. From the inside to the outside, you layer your clothes. On a blustery cold day, or even wet with rain and snow, then you need certain types of outer gear. The same is true for your inner gear. Layered material will give you the best results. You add and remove as necessary!
Through the centuries we’ve learned to dress for the conditions. As the qualities of our materials change, we adapt to the times. But the need is always there. Dress in layers.
Your experience with animals proves they are equipped to live in certain areas. From their subcutaneous fat to the tips of their hair, fur or feathers, they survive the harshest conditions with their layered approach.
This Got Me To Thinking
We dress our lives with layers. From your varied experiences to talent and ability, you are geared to face life from certain perspectives. Your culture, ethnicity, race, even, the state you call home (I’m from Texas, but loved and lived Alaska). We focus with that internal fortitude that comes from nature, experiences, and background.
Face those challenges with a layered approach!
Think about it. We all know how to layer up for what we’re dealing with. Haven’t you ever “bucked up” to handle a stressful problem? Or put on your “game” face? Even prepared to “face the music”!
The longer you’ve been around, the more experiences you have, the more easily you are prepared for what’s in front of you. Grab that layer, put it on! Then, remove it when it is no longer needed!
Sometimes Layers Come Unaware
Again, think about it, sometimes we take on layers of life unaware of the weight of this newly shouldered load. Think with me a moment. Analyze those burdens, situations, projects, costs, even attitudes that are simply layers added to already existing layers. When you think about all those “apps” you put on your phone thinking they would be fun, then you never use them, well, they put a load on your device! Extra storage! Crowded screens are full of icons!
We dress up our Christmas tree in layers. What goes on first? Lights? Decorations? Tinsel? Top to bottom, or bottoms up?
When you begin a project, do you count the cost before? During? After? What happens if you run out of money, time or resources?
How about adding new debt to your bottom line? It’s just a couple of bucks, right? Pennies equal dollars which can wreck your bottom line!
Back in the day of my flying time (not near enough to be an expert), I would “plan my flight and fly my plan) so that all would know where I planned on being, and when I would arrive. Pesky questions are asked and answered. Where am I going? Fuel requirements? Weather? Alternative paths or destinations? How many onboard? Do I have sufficient supplies?
The Load of the Unaware
Every doubt produces more questions! You dig deeper, analyzing longer, and coming up with new questions that require more answers! It is easy to load up the stresses!
Life is like an onion.
you peel it off one layer at a time,
and sometimes you weep.
~Carl Sandburg
Go back to that airplane for a moment. Every plane has a “center of gravity”. You learn to balance the plane forwards and backward, even from the left to the right side. Why? As with a teeter-totter, you learn to balance the load so there is no unfair advantage. Nose heavy, you will probably never leave the ground! Tail heavy and you will get the nose up but drag the ground in your rotation. Either way, you will not be successful!
Add to the top of everything you take on other people’s problems and challenges. Why? They are your family issues, friendly needs, and co-workers’ struggles. You pick up the additional load (layer) and add it to your own.
“He ain’t heavy… he’s my brother!”
Add up all the layers. What do you need to keep on, and what can be removed?
What Does Wisdom Say?
Listen to those who have experienced the overwhelming load of layers! They are speaking from experience. Though different from your life, the principles behind their choices should help you when you face your heavy layers.
There was a time in my life when I was layered up heavily, thinking I was doing good. Work, Family, Church, taking college classes, teaching college and bible classes, and volunteering to reach out to others. What suffered? Me. My family. After 18 months or so, I reached a burnout phase. We all do this. When the load gets heavy, we shuck it all and start over. If we are not careful then we get rid of the good along with the extra weight.
This has happened several times. While I’m stuck in the “overwhelmed” mode, I begin to tread water, and eventually, I’m layered up too much. I can see it in my rearview mirror, but it’s difficult to understand it at the moment.
The Apostle Paul teaches us to be wise.
So then, be very careful how you live.
Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people.
(Ephesians 5:15 GW)
If you think about it, learning to “be very careful” is an action statement. It’s being involved in the process, making wise choices along the way, and not allowing yourself to be overwhelmed at the moment! It’s like those wise and foolish builders Jesus taught about. (Matthew 7:24-27) Knowing the lay of the land, you should build on a foundation that will sustain you. Understanding your personal strengths and weaknesses, you should make wise choices that will keep your head above water!
Final Thought
I’ve never been good at saying “No”… I would much rather negotiate for a middle of the road response! But sometimes I need to be firm and simply say, “No.” There are no explanations needed, and for whatever my reasons are, you must be willing to accept. Just like I accept the rebuttal from others.
Life is a process. Getting from here, to there, and taking the path that works best for me is my own choice. You have your own path. Sometimes I wish for a different response, but I must learn to live with what is laid out before me.
There was an innovator who smartly stated it like this:
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on.
But that’s not what it means at all.
It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are.
You have to pick carefully.
I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.”
~Steve Jobs
Today, I’m praying and hoping you are analyzing the layers of your life, and making some wise choices to sustain yourself until the end!