Do we perceive who we really are?

My husband and I’ve been watching a series that features a woman thrust into a position of power. After watching a couple of episodes, her race-walking pace was noticeable. She passed by her office team, concentrating on immediate events. The tension exuded from her face was palpable.

It reminded me of my early days as a leader. I was Vice President of Operations for the third largest catering company in the U.S. We handled large events, like Nelson Mandela’s Freedom dinner, Apple Computer’s 10th year anniversary (called the Wizard of Woz) Diana Warwick/Burt Bacharach’s fundraiser for a hospital. Important events with unique specifications.

I too remember striding (in heels) at a race-pace, checking that details were in place. These were large events of 2,000 to 10,000 people. Many things on my mind forcing me to respond with immediate attention.

It was fifteen minutes before a 3,000-person sit down dinner event and I was doing one last check of the room. A staff person asked if I was alright, was anything wrong? Several staff people watched our conversation with concern in their eyes. Two people came behind her. One said, “Let us know what’s wrong and we’ll fix it.”

I felt like a ton of bricks hit me. I wasn’t angry or worried. I ensured that all was in place. But my face didn’t say that. The vibe I emanated with my quick pace, non-smiling face, my mind checking off a list conveyed all was not right. Something was wrong. And my team wanted to help. How much angst did I impose on them? And how would that affect their service?

I smiled and laughed.  I could just imagine what their thoughts were. “You just taught me an invaluable lesson. All is great. My mind is whirling with the details of today. Thank you for stepping up to offer your help. For you have significantly helped me.”

From that day forward, I still race-paced, but my entire demeanor changed. I tried remembering to be more Mary than Martha. Smiling, greeting team members. I envisioned a swan swimming looking at ease and pedaling as fast as she could. It made a world of difference in my approach and I believe in their service.

Last month I committed to re-memorizing 1 Corinthians: 13, * the explanation of Agape Love. Spending time with one chapter, many lessons and memories can come from it.

“For now, we see in a mirror dimly, then face to face.”

My reflection from my team’s mirror wasn’t at all what I meant and I hadn’t even realized it.

What do we convey daily though our actions, words, facial expressions that aren’t aligned with who we really are? Coming face to face with ourselves can be hard. And possibly easy. A simple smile, eye contact, a greeting can make all the difference. Sometimes it means counting to ten or taking a long breath before vehemently reacting to someone.

Every morning I say 1 Corinthians, hoping with continual repetition I will exude these qualities.

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful, it is not arrogant or rued. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things. Love never ends.

Here’s to expressing who we really are. Let your light so shine.

What do you do to reflect who you really are? Please be sure to share.

* https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2013&version=NIV