Reality Checkup

On one occasion, after a long hard day at school, I quipped to a co-teacher of mine, “If it weren’t for the kids, this teaching gig would be really nice!”

We laughed, knowing that teaching really is all about kids, and yet, there were those days....

Sadly, not everyone is in touch with reality:

• Have you ever known a school teacher who really did not like kids?
• Have you ever gone to a store and overheard the employees complaining about the customers?
• Have you ever known an athlete who simply hated to go to practice?

The contradiction in these examples seems so obvious. However, it is likely that at times all of us are a little detached from reality. Solomon described this oxymoron quite vividly:

     Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,
     But much increase comes by the strength of the ox.
     --Proverbs 14:4

What a conundrum! What a contradiction!
   “I want a clean manger (stable).”
   “I want to earn a profit.”
   “Making a profit will require oxen" (so, ox 'scat').
   “But I really want that clean stable.”

Humans can be unreasonable when they desire two conflicting things at once. Perhaps you have heard the expression: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
Reality: You simply cannot have both at the same time.

Do you ever sigh in near exhaustion wishing you could keep an uncluttered house; yet . . .

• You allow your children to wreck the place with no measure of discipline and no expectations for them to help?
• You find a free moment in your schedule and you immediately turn to your electronics (TV, computer, iThingie, etc.)?
• You excuse your tired self to relax out on the patio or deck?
• "There are more important things in life"?

The point is not that you should have an uncluttered house, or that you are not a good disciplinarian, or that you should not rest, or that other things are not important. The point is...
You are out of touch with reality.
You cannot expect to have an uncluttered house AND ... not take the steps to keep it uncluttered.

Have you ever moaned about your boss or your coworkers or your job in general, wishing things were more like your first day on the job when you were getting all the attention and everyone was helpful?

The point is not that you should just accept bad bosses or bad coworkers, or that you should just be grateful for a job. The point is that there was only one ‘first day’ with all the excitement of being the new 'golden-haired child.' You are out of touch with reality!

Young people, do you sometimes find yourself complaining about your parents when they ask you to clean your room, do household chores, go with them to visit an older person, or they say, “No” to your requests?
You are out of touch with reality!
You are a kid, not a king.

Your parents do not exists as slaves to carry out your every wish. You are completely out of touch with reality to expect a free ride in life. Your parents provide food, clothing, and housing without cost. They have a reasonable expectation for you to take responsibility and help. They have a reasonable expectation for you to honor their rules and requests. When you are out of touch with reality in your complaining, you sound like a selfish baby. Grow up!

Solomon was a ‘reality’ expert. He addressed the attitudes of the heart.
You just can’t have a clean stable, AND enjoy the profit that comes from oxen.

Is your attitude due for a 'reality check'?