Looks Good To Me!

Let me describe what my desk looks like. Draw your own conclusions. To my right is a small photograph of the Pacific Ocean surf pounding against a tall, weathered cliff that juts out into the ocean, a little flashlight because sometimes I have to get up in the middle of the night, a miniature stapler because I can’t seem to keep pages of things together, an old-style calendar/date book where I make cryptic notes about the day’s events, a pad of sticky notes waiting for the next brilliant idea, one writing pen and one pencil, two flash drives sitting at the ready near my laptop, a small ceramic jar holding an assortment of pens and pencils, a business card from someone I must contact when I remember, two paperback books that are marked and underlined throughout, a large pad of lined paper that contains yesterday’s best thoughts, one charging wire for some electronic gadget, a lamp, a small replica of a Texas Horned Frog, and a framed picture of my beautiful wife who smiles at me everyday.

To the casual observer, my desk is a mess. It is disorderly and needs dusting. But, I understand the purpose of each item, the placement of the various necessities and my system of strategic alignment. The point?

I’m not sure there is one, except maybe to say that each of us sees the world in a different way. And my way is not necessarily better than your way, nor yours than mine. It’s just a shame, I think, when someone looks at my desk and says: “My, what a mess!” So, let’s make a deal. I won’t comment on your desk, evaluate, analyze or critique if you will give me the same consideration. In all things, let’s be tolerant, gracious, and accepting of each other’s preferences. About more things than the state of one’s desk. About politics and religion and personal values. I like my desk and you like your desk. So, keep your hands off my stapler. Did I mention my empty coffee cup? You be you and I’ll be me and by Grace we will become a “we.” Let’s work on it.