Last week, one of the blogs I follow posted the following quote:
“There comes a time when you have to stop crossing the ocean for people who wouldn’t jump puddles for you.”
My first thought was a resounding, “YEAH!”
My next was an immediate, “Wait. What?”
I was astonished to recognize the first feeling was more vindictive than vindicated. I don’t want to be vindictive.
The brain churned.
Why did this quote feeling… off?
Jesus Christ not only died for people who wouldn’t jump puddles for Him, they spit on Him, maligned Him, beat Him, and crucified Him.
As a Christian, I want to be like Jesus.
So, where does this leave me?
I was not created to be a doormat.
Jesus didn’t fight back. He walked away, until the end when He was forced to stay.
I need to walk away… I do.
It isn’t about the people being unwilling to jump puddles…
GOT IT!
The quote gives the people unwilling to jump puddles the power.
My not swimming the ocean is about them.
Except it isn’t.
Me swimming the ocean is about me. Those puddles jumpers have nothing to do with me.
I swim because it’s who I am. They’re welcome to join me if they wish, but I’m not holding back because of them.
The Project: Me by Judy 
This is a good post. Thanks good. ((((Judy)))))
By: Mary on October 29, 2013
at 3:18 am
((((Mary))))
By: Judy on October 29, 2013
at 5:56 am
“I’m not holding back because of them.” That’s what it comes down to, isn’t it? Great post. 🙂
By: karabcn on October 29, 2013
at 7:55 am
Yes! Exactly!
By: Judy on October 29, 2013
at 10:00 am
Thanks. 🙂
By: Judy on October 29, 2013
at 10:01 am
Ooh I like your ending here. I could see that on a poster for sure. It rings of truth, strength, and leadership.
By: rootstoblossom on October 29, 2013
at 9:02 am
Empowerment. Taking back the power I gave away. 🙂
By: Judy on October 29, 2013
at 10:01 am
Agree with all said in comments; I like how you take quotes and add more insight into what it really is saying and how you challenge the status quo on them. xxoo
By: TR on October 29, 2013
at 11:38 am
Thanks, TR. xoxo
By: Judy on October 29, 2013
at 3:48 pm
This quote is particularly astute. I can’t think of puddles my mother doesn’t have an excuse to not to jump. Most of them aren’t even good excuses!
By: Pandora Viltis on November 1, 2013
at 8:24 am
I think the saddest part is they can’t even make up a plausible excuse. Adding insult to injury.
By: Judy on November 1, 2013
at 8:45 am
It is sad. And perplexing. It makes me realize my brain does not work the same way as theirs.
By: Pandora Viltis on November 1, 2013
at 9:09 am
And that’s a blessing. 🙂
By: Judy on November 1, 2013
at 9:27 am