Friday, June 1, 2012

The Problem with Pedestals.

Is that they aren’t made for people.

And people—no matter who they are or what they do—should never try to stand on a pedestal. Nor should we force others to stand one.

Because anyone who does will inevitably go splat at some point in time.

I’ve met a lot of people in my life. Important people. Famous people. Knowledgeable people. Brilliant people. Humble people. Beginners. Finishers. The strong. The weak. The selfish. The determined. The impatient. Saintly people. Serving people. Rich, poor, and middle-class people. But I have yet to meet a single person who is not absolutely human, who is not on a journey of some sort, and who is not searching for enrichment, fulfillment, and/or happiness.

Humans make mistakes, progress, and choices.

I admit some of us manage to rise above adversity and find success better or quicker or differently than others. But those who try to stand on pedestals—or who are put there by others—always, always have a lot further to go when they fall.

I know I’m not perfect. A long way from it. No one else is either. But if we can manage to eliminate those darned pedestals, maybe the important people in our lives won’t have to fall so hard. Nor will we have to hurt so badly when we trip.

Personally, I don’t want to stand on a pedestal. But if you absolutely insist, you’re welcome to seat me on a throne. I’ll never complain about that!

7 comments:

LM Preston said...

I don't want to stand on one either, but we humans are all created so differently that some are made for pedestals while others do well to build them.

Jennie Bennett said...

I so agree. I don't need anyone thinking I'm better than I really I am. I am human and I am flawed, and I'd rather not fall.

Carolyn V said...

Pedestals are hard to stay on. Whenever I get on one, I find myself underneath it for some reason. Thank goodness we are all human. ;)

Matthew MacNish said...

Valar Dohaeris.

Leslie said...

I completely agree! Love your throne though!

Nichole Giles said...

LM, good point. Definite food for thought.

J.A., me too. Right there with you.

Carolyn, that story sounds familiar. Human we are, and human I'd like to stay.

Matthew, HEHEHEHEHE! Valar Dohaeris to you.

Leslie, I love it too. Think I need another picture on it.

Windy Aphayrath said...

loving that picture!

and yes, we're all human and NO ONE should be on a pedestal because that just sets everyone involved up for unnecessary disappointment.