Some times I get what a General once coined, “stuck on stupid.” When I am “stuck on stupid” my creativity and life gets limited because my thinking gets stuck. If you keep doing the same things the same way, you are going to get the same results. When I get “stuck on stupid,” I think in terms of either/ors. I think in terms of twos. I think of terms of only “my” people, “my” family. I think in terms of opposites: either this can happen or that will happen. I think linear, and look at my own capabilities instead of looking holistically. I get stuck in my thinking and limit all the possibilities that can happen when I look at life with either/or eyes. I also limit the beauty that God intends for us all to experience in life.
God doesn’t think in terms of either/or. God thinks in “and/also” terms. And the secret of life is living in an “and/also” mentality because life is full of beautiful paradoxes. Life is full of inconsistencies, absurdities, contradiction of terms and impossibilities. God’s kingdom is built in these paradoxes and beautiful living is paradoxical. Think about two opposites: hydrogen and oxygen. Both are combustible, but when brought together in H2O, can douse fires. A partnering of opposites can bring forth living water.
Each Sunday during Worship, we do something we call: “Passing the Peace.” As pastor, I say, “May the peace of God be with you.” And you respond, “And also with you.” When we live in a world of “and/alsos,” we don’t get “stuck on stupid.” Our mind is opened up to be more like-minded with God, and our hearts feel a peace that surpasses all understanding.
If you see yourself limiting your own creativity and possibilities, no matter what your age, turn to our God of and/also. Try partnering with someone different than yourself who might stretch your creativity. Open yourself up to attend a small group with others. Take a different route to work or to church. Give someone another chance. Look how you can live your daily life and also serve God through your work place, home life and church. Don’t get “stuck on stupid” and limit the beauty that God intends.
And/Also with you,
Pastor Jackie
