My Paisley Chair

I was reminded this morning of the game Would You Rather….? There is a version for children under 10 years old, a “tweens” version, and an adult game. All versions pose questions that cause you to say which would you prefer to do (rather endure) between two horrible options. Yes, we have played the game – and always hope it doesn’t have any real life examples to choose from!

The choices are never between something good versus something bad, that would be so simple! They are extremely horrible choices, gross in nature (especially in the children’s version) and beyond imagination that you would choose either option. The ultimate Either-Or decision. Nowhere close to Good or Bad, but worse and worser (if that is even a word.) Good, Better, and Best NEVER come into the equation.

I read a statement this morning that caused me pause – here it is … “I’d rather be gullible than cynical.” Some of us are gullible by nature (my hand is up!) but sometimes even we are required to make the choice to determine what level of mystery are we prepared to enjoy. Mystery can be fun! Can I accept something without all the facts and due diligence, and jump in? Or has caution given way to undue reserve while I collect data, research and reevaluate at nauseam and possibly miss an opportunity? Some might label this as cynical, lacking trust or suspicious.

Finding a level of mystery that is acceptable during the journey – adventure – of life, is something I can determine for myself. Some would call this “faith”. The evidence, proof, researched resolution, or tangible expression of what is promised has yet to be presented, and still, I will accept the mystery and move forward. Again, mystery can be fun!

More times than I can count I have been accused of being gullible, as though it is a character flaw that needs to be fixed. As a teen I was a “natural blonde” which many thought was synonymous with the gullible definition. In the workplace, the same accusation was made when I chose to believe the best about people attributing bad behavior as a result of a bad day, rather than assume someone was a bad person. In the church world, the choice to be open-hearted, transparent and vulnerable has been mistaken for being gullible. I don’t care! I’d rather be gullible than a whole bunch of other stuff like: isolated, lonely, guarded, close minded, veiled, unemotional, etc.

So when I love people, believe the best, trust without basis, step out in faith and extend myself – it is my CHOICE! Does this open the door for some hurt feelings from time to time? Of course, but I have also decided to be a person that heals quickly. I don’t require God to explain Himself, or His creation, to me and I have decided what level of mystery I am able to live with.

So when the next time a wave of glory, fresh experience, opportunity for growth etc. comes knocking on my door … I’m going to open it! To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than I am able to ask or think, according to His power that works in me – to Him be all the glory and honor forever.