Only the Good

I have a wonderful gift. I can see what is good in people. I can zero in like nobody’s business and latch on to their magnificence.

I have a flaw. I can see what is good in people. I can shove their other failings out into the periphery and ignore it with ease.

This is not new news really; it is something I have known for years. I have, however, had it pointed out or emphasized recently by a friend. She has the capacity to run a BS Geiger counter which she then shares with me. Her insights are not as surprising to me as they are confirming. If I am honest, she is pointing out something I have sensed or noticed, but due to my hyper-focus on the good I tend to shove the information to the side. My peripheral vision shows me glimpses, but I seem to choose to ignore it until someone has the decency to say, “Hey have you noticed……?”.

As I was sharing this insight with another friend, I was informed that I have demonstrated this trait on numerous occasions when others have been subtly trying to point out my foibles or inattention. She said she enjoys the part where I mention my inattention and many of my other friends says “duh”.

I have done it for most of my life. Perhaps that is why I was able to spend so much time in the land of broken toys during my dating years which as many of you know were long and varied. Evidently also puzzling to observers.

Please do not get me wrong. I have a pretty good warning system. I can hear the meltdown buzzers in my head when I meet many folks. I have issued many a “walk away” instruction in my time. Sometimes that is more “back away” but whatever you do get out of there.

However, when I connect with someone that has lost soul energy, I must hear a siren song luring me to the shoals. I will stand there for a very long time attempting to fan the flames of their light and goodness. At first it is appreciated by the recipient. We all love being seen for the positive aspects of our existence. The trick comes when my constant cheerleading begins to annoy because for them staying in that persona is exhausting or frightening or simply in the long run what they do not want to do with this life. Some will turn instantly, others will wage a longer battle. Perhaps playing me like a marlin letting me run out the line before repeatedly reeling me back in.

I am grateful for the friends who help me snap to and take another look. It is not hard; I simply have to turn my head ever so slightly to see what is going on in the wings. Take off my rose-colored glasses and head on to the next adventure.