Perception:
| 1. | the act or faculty of apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding. |
| 2. | immediate or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment |
The definition for the word perception comes from Dictionary.com. I got to thinking this morning about how I have been perceived over the course of my life and came to realize how differently a person can come across to each individual they encounter. Below is a list of terms or phrases used about me by people who have been a part of my life, even if for only a short time.
In Control Arrogant Hick
Short tempered Self Assured Cute
Soft Hearted Sissy Small Minded
Judgmental Strong Willed Dreamer
Caring Intimidating Winner
Compassionate Take Charge Loser
Obnoxious Leader Loud Mouth
Loving Easy to Identify With Unprepared
Real Has Little Man Syndrome Servant
He Touches People Plain Spoken Stupid
Handsome Ugly Little Runt Big Man
As you can see I have been perceived in a number of ways, some good, some not so good. In many ways all deserved depending on the circumstances, in other ways undeserved and out of line. Thing is, we make judgments everyday about the people we come into contact with. Many times it’s a first impression, but the judgments are often refined as we come to know the person. In the end all a person can do is be themselves, while striving to become better selves. By becoming more Christ like a person can eliminate the negative impressions, and replace them with positive ones.
I had one man in the cotton ginning industry call me “B.S.S.S.” I asked him what that stood for, and he said “Big shot small stature.” The man, who called me intimidating, is a former NFL linebacker. WHAT?!!! The one who called me an “Arrogant little SOB” asked me to speak at his seven year old son’s funeral service.
When I look back at my successes, and failures, the positive relationships, and the negative relationships, I can only hope that the people who have been a part of my life will ultimately understand that I am just an ordinary man trying to become more Christ like every day. I guess that’s why while putting this list together I feel better about one of the perceptions than all of the others; “you touched me.” The man who said that was an acquaintance at the time, but today he is one of my very best friends. God thank you for using me to “touch” people in a positive way, and may the glory be all Yours.
Till next time,
Grump