Those Stuffy Pigeon-holes

Those Stuffy Pigeon-holes:

Howdy friend,

Have you ever put your big foot in your big mouth?

Ever swallowed the wrong end of a pineapple?

Have you ever declared something, oblivious to the implications?

Ever shown a lack of careful thought?

Well, don’t worry, many of us probably have at one time or another.

I sure have.

Anyhow, it’s amazing how we can place people in a specific, often simplistic, category.

For example, just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I use braille on a regular basis.

In fact, it doesn’t mean I use braille at all.

Many, over the years, have assumed I’m a piano tuner.

Others seem to think, because of my blindness, I’m automatically a guide dog owner.

Some reckon I’m lacking intellectual acuity.

And there are those who are under the impression I’ve gotten a hearing loss.

Yet, on the other hand, a few believe I have an acute sense of hearing.

But what really niggles me the most, are those who seem to think because I’ve heard their voice once – I will naturally remember them on our next encounter.

Oh, boy!

Many clench an understanding of something that is not correct.

What could benefit one may not be practical for another.

Likewise, what could be relevant for one may not apply to another.

You see, every visually impaired person is different.

I mean, being stereotyped can be irritating, because it implies that we are viewed as a representation of a group of people, instead of being an individual.

More often than not, we’re packed into pigeon-holes!

But hear with intention!

Just remember, we’re beautifully and wonderfully crafted:

Radically distinctive and without equal.

Hallmarked by the finger-prints of Father.

So, dear friend, I guess some of us need a fresh insight that will enliven our world and rejuvenate our thoughts!

I reckon, as pilgrims together, we need to reach out with acts of kindness.

And, rather than being restricted or confined within one of those stuffy pigeon-holes, we need to communicate grace.

Consider the prayer of Jesus:

Father, forgive them – they don’t know what they’re doing.

What a request!

What an expression of unconditional love!