OK. Please read the post title again in your best robot voice…that will lend to the theme here.
Ever had one of those days – or maybe weeks? I have – I guess we all do.
The other day, I found myself in robot mode. You know, where in spite of the junk that’s going on around you, you enter that safe and socially presentable state called: ROBOT MODE. (just for effect, re-read those two words in your robot voice.)
I was bummed, busy, and had stuff to do and people to work with…so I “engaged” and went through my day as if nothing were wrong – you know: birds singing, rainbows in the sky, whistling aloud, etc. Believe me, I’m good at it too – I bet I fool most people.
Except one…OK, two. (OK, maybe more, but I’m only focusing on two here…)
The first, is Karen. She knows me with a capital “K” and extended and emphasized “O”. She can read me like a book even when ROBOT MODE is fully engaged. (did you use your robot voice there?) I try and fool her. I smile and laugh. I try and deflect her caring questions with the Christian “F” word: “FINE” – but she is powerful. She Knooows me! So, after numerous attempts and back and forth “No really, I’m fine” exchanges, I slowly disengage ROBOT MODE and share the junk.
The second person is God. He knows me better than Karen and yet I try and fool Him also. I avoid talking to Him about the junk, pretend like it’s not there or effecting me, or even tell myself that He’s busy with bigger things. Silly me – I should know it’s a bunch of shmegegge (sorry, it was the word-of-the-day). He KNOOOWS me. He created me. “ROBOT MODE: FUTILE! DISENGAGE! DISENGAGE!”
Where am I going with this post? I guess two places:
First, simple transparency. A friend posted something on Facebook the other day about the false perception that life is rosy for Christians. It’s not…and we all know it. We have hope in and comfort from Jesus, but the junk of life doesn’t magically disappear the moment we give God control of our lives. I think I perpetuate this misconception when I enter ROBOT MODE.
I read something this morning about Paul’s desire to not empty the cross of Christ of any power through the use of his human wisdom in proclaiming the Gospel. I guess I kind of do that when I “ROBOT MODE”-it through my day (which, by the way, consists of thousands of Gospel proclamations – both in word and deed) instead of being open about relying on God for strength (Philippians 4:13).
Second, appreciation. To God and to Karen for their love and acceptance, and forbearance (not a word-of-the-day, but a great one none the less). I know I can’t hurt God, but I’m sure I hurt Karen’s feelings when I’m in ROBOT MODE. [Sorry, babe.]
Anyway, definitely something to work on…
By the way, if you see me and my eyes look like the ones on the robot above, walk up to me and say, “DIS-EN-GAGE, DEN-NIS. DIS-EN-GAGE!” – using your best robot voice, of course!
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