CLEARRLY Recovering - Blog #7
Once every two years, our house becomes obsessed. We not only become obsessed, but we become experts. Without any formal training or actual expertise, we are world-class judges.
That’s right, we are armchair members of the IOC. The Olympics rule in the Dean household.
I can tell you what puts the pom in the pommel horse. I can dissect the ballet of the balance beam. I can swat Swedes for their crappy calls. I can chastise the Czechs for poor penalties. But mostly, I can watch the greatest Olympic judge in the universe: my wife!!!
Unfortunately, what was once a cute little quirk of hers has become a full-blown disorder. I am currently seeking outside help and did come across some information about her malady.
My wife suffers from “Olympio Delusiono.”
The strange phenomenon can hit almost pandemic heights on a biannual basis. One of the few things that gives me solace during this season is simply knowing that I’m not alone.
You know that your loved one is suffering from Olympio Delusiono by some basic symptoms.
They begin to criticize your dismounts from beds or furniture. “I give you a 7.2 out of your recliner; your legs were bent.”
They begin criticizing people at the public pool. “You call that a breaststroke; you look like you’re trying to sift through an Arby’s bag for the last curly fry.”
They begin arguing with random people in public places. “What do you mean she should have lost her medal for stepping out? Do you have the IQ of a salad bar!?! I ought to shove this shopping cart up your Olympic podium. Seriously, are you listening to me, mother??!!”
Thankfully, this condition is seasonal. However, it does make me think of how ill-equipped I am to judge somebody, not only in the Olympics but in everyday life. I’m not talking about casual judging like, “Seriously, that shirt with those shoes!?!” I’m talking about the real stuff.
“That guy will never get sober.”
“She deserves some of what she’s getting!”
“They brought this on themselves.”
“You are fully able to do this on your own.”
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
Matthew 7:1
I saw an amazing T-shirt the other day. It simply said, “Every person you talk to is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
That was a gut punch.
We are called to love unconditionally, not to vet out the people in need. Service does not require interviewing the served.
When we get into recovery, we know what it looks like to be judged. I truly believe that’s why people in recovery make the best servants; we see the world through a lens that was shattered. Now, we see the people through the cracks of a lens restored by Grace.
So go serve without judgment. Save that for your armchair on a seasonal basis!
And remember, I can affect my today, I can allow God to mold my tomorrow, but even Jesus doesn’t change the past.