Putting it together in Well now
- Aug. 7, 2017, 8:45 p.m.
- |
- Public
I’m not saying the pressure was on, but everyone in the group was looking at me, without a clue how I was going to pull this one together.
It was one of those lovely soul-searching team building activities.
A group of coworkers and I sat in a circle - sharing. Ugh!
The instructions for the first three rounds were to share with the group
a personal skill or a trait of which you were proud.
Next to me, Dane had said the sorts of things you’d expect.
Round one was family - “Loving father,” he said.
Round two was faith community - “God exalting,” he added.
Round three ( and were I his wife I would have hit him for the order in which he put her) - he smiled and added “Caring husband.”
On my other side, Marion, the art teacher had followed suit.
Round one - She was a “Good mom.”
Round two - She prided herself in being a “Creative teacher.”
Round three - She added “Witness for the Lord.”
My answers were different.
I couldn’t help it.
I’m not religious, at all, but I do respect those who believe enough to keep my beliefs or non-beliefs to myself. (I wont lie, but I wont offer.)
Everyone in the circle knows I live alone, so there was no pretending I’m proud of my wifery or mommy-ness skills.
So…
Round one
- I fingered the elaborate twist of lapis and onyx beads in the lariat wrapped around my neck - “Innovative bead weaver,” I offered proudly.
There were a few nods.
Round two
- I shared the trait that makes my homelife satisfying,
- “Seasoned cat-herder.”
There was a smile or two.
Round three
- I went for the skill I was known for in our shared workplace,
- “Boy wrangler extraordinaire.”
There were actual chuckles at that.
These people have seen the circus that is my office
and kept walking, gratefully.
So we got to Round Four. and the instructions were “Now take those skills and characteristics, and sum them up.”
“Catholic family man,” said Dane confidently
and then all eyes turned on me.
I felt like I’d been set up.
What the hell was I going to do with
Innovative bead weaver, seasoned cat herder, and boy wrangler extraordinaire?
Suddenly I smiled and pulled it all together,
“Resume for which no job exists.”
The circle erupted in laughter.
I may not do religious retreats well
but I survived another one.
Last updated August 07, 2017
Marg ⋅ August 09, 2017
Well done!