I’m totally apathetic today. I was yesterday, too. Does that ever happen to you?
Kinda like this?
It’s weird. I’m usually incredibly positive and have a great attitude. And honestly, my last few days have been amazing. I don’t even have a good, valid reason to be apathetic. I allow myself to get distracted, lose focus, and focus on the garbage. Garbage like getting screwed by people from my past. Garbage like us still having a house for sale, because the buyers backed out last second for no valid reason. Stuff like that. Eventually, if you dwell on the negative stuff, it makes you frustrated. And I think frustration can very easily breed carelessness. Which reminds me…
Back when Mitt Romney was running for President and eventually bowed out of the race, he gave a pretty darn good speech. When I heard it, he included a phrase that I just couldn’t get out of my head: “Carelessness kills. Complacency is murder.” His context was in reference to the mindset of welfare. That was about two years ago.
Last month, I was re-reading the book of Proverbs in the Bible. I’ve read it before. More than once. But this time, I read those same words right in chapter one, and they jumped off the page. Turns out, it looks like Romney borrowed a little from Solomon while writing his speech, but forgot to quote his source. ;-)
I’m not interested in being murdered. Well, especially not by carelessness. Am I alone? I know, it’s stupid. I know, there are like 55 billion verses in the Bible that tell me why I have no need to remain apathetic, and every reason to feel blessed. And I have one of the most amazing wives on the planet. And I have everything I could ever possibly want or need. But there are days that come, and it just isn’t how you feel. Ya know? I guess that’s another good reason to not live your whole life based fully on your feelings.
Ah…now there’s a good conversation: How do you balance truth with your feelings, and the recognition that both are a gift?
Apathy may be my opponent for the day, but I fully intend on winning. In fact, I’m feeling better already.
Tags: Apathetic, Apathy, Carelessness Kills, Complacency is Murder, Harris, illusionist, Mitt Romney, Proverbs
I understand where you are coming from BJ. There are those days…weeks or even months where we just seem to be apathetic about certain things. I don’t think we are apathetic about EVERYTHING in life. I am sure you have met those people and I often tend to feel sorry for them more than get mad at them. Areas where our apathy seem to grow are often places where we have been hurt, discouraged or tired of. I think times of apathy are times that we use as a defense mechanism. It is a way of saying “I don’t care” or “I am tired of this”. It is the shut off valve so we don’t allow other things to get in and damage more. The thing is that we do really care…Or at least we care that we don’t seem to care. If that makes sense. I can honestly say that recently I have used that shut off valve. But it only held back emotions and issues that built up. I had to let loose and say I do really care…that I am vulnerable and subject to pain and disappointment.
Man I could ramble on and on about this….which is probably what I have done.
As to answer your question…
We simply balance feelings with the truth. When we wonder if this feeling is ok…we dive into the Word. Which I see that you did. Emotions and feelings are all in God’s Word. Jesus cried, laughed (I am sure), was depressed, got angry, was disappointed and so on. God’s people dealt with every emotion known out there…some did it the right way and others did not. We as imperfect people strive toward that perfection. I say strive…not always accomplish. God knows who you are and the way you are wired. After all he made you the way you are. Now he has given you the self help and instruction manual.
Great post man!
Jamie – Thanks for the comment. As usual, I enjoyed reading it! One of these days we’ll finally connect and chat. Until then, thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Hi Mr. Harris. You may remember me from months ago. More likely, you remember a story about a little girl called Chloe. I digress just for reference. It has nothing to do with today’s blog. People underestimate how much our internal chemistry has to do with our state of mind. Think about it. Today is essentially JUST LIKE yesterday. Nothing significant has changed, yet you’re amazed at how much different today ‘feels’. Sometimes it’s for the better, sometimes not. The point is, your perception changes. I speak from experience. I’ve literally found myself amazed at how blissfully happy I am for ABSOLUTELY no reason. Conversely, I have days where I just don’t feel-it. And I think it’s all because our brain becomes ‘tired’ of maintaining one state and, occasionally, has to let-go….recharge…reset if you will. And after a time, your frame-of-mind resets itself, and you realize, again, what you were thankful for. Happens to us all. I THINK.
Johnny – Definitely interesting to think about! And I agree that most people underestimate the connection of our internal chemistry with other things, including our state of mind. Thanks for the food for thought!!
Johnny – P.S. It took me a few minutes to remember who you were, but yes, I do now remember your email including the story about Chloe and the show in North Carolina. Thanks for keeping in touch!
The only time I seem to be in the Nashville area any more is to go to the air port. lol! If I ever venture that way I will try to let you know. I would love to chat…as always bro feel free to shoot me an email if you ever need a ear to vent to. You and Katie hang in there.