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We used to have a dog, a Tibetan Terrier called Yorrick. (Yes, I
know, “alas poor Yorrick” – always a sad moment when
we took him to see the vet.) He was actually quite a good example
of the breed, so the breeder persuaded me to show him a few times.
One of these was at the Lady’s Kennel Club, which was held at
Earl’s Court. Charles had dropped us off and returned later to
collect us. He came into the hall and was immediately surrounded by
the amazing noise of hundreds of dogs – and their owners! He
finally found a lady holding a Tibetan Terrier and enquired where
the breed was showing. That little episode encouraged me to stop pigeonholing people. I really felt it was going a bit far! I’ve been put in lots of pigeonholes during my life. Terry’s daughter; Jane’s sister, Lucy’s mum. Even “the Other Half ”! I’ve never minded any of them. In fact they’ve identified me in roles I’ve loved – but sometimes, they’ve helped me hide from who I could be. Having an easily identifiable role gives me such comfortable parameters of life that I don’t always find it easy to look for God’s direction for myself. Sometimes He asks me to step out of my present position – that’s scary. Occasionally He wants me to take new decisions – that’s difficult: and I’ve even heard Him whisper “if you’re the other half of Charles, which bit am I?” – that’s very sobering. So, I am the other half – but not really half! More like one of two pieces that fit together very well – with a BIG heartshaped space in between for the Lord. Knowing that each of our identities is unique and important to Him, and that he has plans for us both – separately and together. And I wonder – have I been pigeonholing God? Now THAT’S a worrying thought! Sue Whitehead.
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We
usually find it helps to put people in pigeonholes doesn’t
it? When we first meet someone, it does help if we can put
them into a neat box of relationship, work or habitat. It helps
us to remember them, and something about them for future
reference. But sometimes it goes too far.
