January 14, 2021
Interpretation. Not a big word. But one that has more energy than most. It’s always being given permission to be present in the openness of all things not always connected. Not a free pass but rather endless amounts of leeway. A good example would be to look at a painting of a bright yellow butterfly. Someone comes along and says, “Cool purple elephant.” That person’s interpretation is accepted. I’ve never thought that was right. That’s how the origin of history gets messed up and forgotten. Look at what The Crown has done on Netflix. The royal family’s story shared on the stream is a far cry from truth. It’s someone’s interpretation. The reason why I touch on this subject is because of the enormous amount of thoughts that are tapped into social media every second. Without verbal inflection the receiver is given the leeway to interpret the message. It’s accepted. Only to see how a simple thought can totally rip a forty year friendship apart. Interpretation. This is what I saw in the post. The reply or reaction has nothing to do with the initial thought. Then it becomes a hot spot filled with people arguing about different things. Another great example of how interpretation needs to be held back is how my pastor shares these incredible stories from the big book. When I return. My interpretation of the very verses he spoke of clearly aren’t the same. The more we grow into this new year of hope the more we need to place peace ahead of all things. Interpreting what someone has released should be held off by a stronger more leadership move. IM the person and ask them to lean into the conversation a little more so that you can have a better idea as to what’s being shared. Create conversation rather than disconnection. Challenge yourself to sit through a pro football game without interpreting the coach or players. Get into the idea of knowing rather than interpreting. It’ll make you a stronger leader.