Thursday, February 04, 2010

A Moment of 'Illumination' ... on Significance

As I observed the husband, who had allowed himself to become completely unattractive (through obvious absence of personal care), focusing, with intense care, on the removal of a minuscule spot of dirt from his shiny new ‘four-by-four,’ deluxe edition, pickup truck … as his wife totally ignored him to the same degree that he was oblivious to her … the thought came to me …
“When we become Insignificant to our ‘Significant Other,’ it is altogether likely that we will shift focus away from him/her ...To some-One, or some-Thing, in whom, or in which, we will find some measure of compensating Validation to satisfy our innately human need for significance.”
Which raised, for me, the personal question: “When did you shift your focus to Friends, hobby, Lovers, and/or business, social, or religious Activities, as your Source, for validation of your individual significance?” And the flood of memories began.





IMAGE: Through the gracious courtesy of Jon Sullivan, PDPhoto.org

4 comments:

lime said...

a very pointed question indeed...

John-Michael said...

A question that (unfortunately) goes largely unasked in all the world around us. Or so it seems to me, my Very Dear Lime.

Perhaps the asking (by willing and caring Partners ... in agreement) would present the opportunity for reallocation of efforts or energies ... if not too late. Perhaps ...

Lovingly ...

Suldog said...

As always, great food for thought here, John-Michael. I'll have to give it some.

John-Michael said...

From what is so beautifully evident in your relationship with YOUR WIFE, my Dear SulDog Friend, You would have to frame your thoughts, on this subject, from observations of the world outside of your experience. And to that I happily say, "Thank God for your blessed Gift!" [admiring smile]

Sure do appreciate You Jim ...

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