“Peek” or “Peak” Experiences – I’m Back!
2007
I’m back! I thank all of you who wished me well and were praying for me during my break this past week. It has, indeed, been an interesting week. No doubt you’ve all heard the popular idiom,
One step forward, two steps back…
Or,
Three steps forward, two steps back…
I’ve even heard of,
Two steps forward, three steps back…
I’m sort of feeling all of that right about now. And while some would say,
Why look at the glass as half empty?
I say that it’s hard to do that sometimes, although I’d like to think I’m getting better at it. Nevertheless, I think things are looking up; in fact, I know they’re looking up. And so, I choose to latch on to something I heard the Rev. Gerald Durley of Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia say a few weeks ago which was this:
“Life is a peek to peak experience.”
The idea is we all “peek” at things, especially one another. And as we peek at one another, we notice different aspects of persons. We might get a glimpse of their personality. We may discover what foods they like. We may find out what kind of “work” they do. But sometimes when we encounter people, their very presence causes some change in us. Because of a person’s presence, we might decide, “Wow, that person is very insightful,” and take away something of the conversation that helps us finish a task. We may sometimes say, “I like how she saw that situation, it was quite interesting,” and decide to look at that situation from a different perspective. We may, at times, decide to place ourselves in another person’s shoes, choosing to have empathy for someone whose circumstances are difficult or maybe even unimaginable. Yet and still, in all these situations, whether we’re aware of it or not, we’ve experienced growth within. We’ve climbed (aware or not) another level. We’ve “peaked” at that certain point.
Which is not to say that we achieve only one “peak.” Because we “peek” each and every day, we have the opportunity to “peak” just as often. And while looking at others sometimes causes discomfort, even pain sometimes, within ourselves, we can be assured that the encounter is meant for our good. For if it were not meant for us to have “peak” experiences, there would be no need for friendships, marriage, fellowship, any type of relationship at all. And that’s not the way God designed it to be.
One step forward, two steps back. Maybe. But if I’ve reached some peak in the midst of the backward steps – which I believe is completely possible – then those backward steps I’ve fallen back on will not be in vain.
How have you handled your two steps back? Can you see those steps as opportunities for growth?
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Applaud, Applaud!! I am so glad you are back and stronger than ever:-) What a wonderfully insightful post! As much as I don’t like the “defeated” moments, I appreciate them when they are over because it is an opportunity for rest, an opportunity to REALLY be on our knees and say, “What now?”, an opportunity to let go and let God.
Praise the Lord you have returned, my beautiful friend KWiz!
Applaud, Appalaud! I am so glad you are back. As much as I dread the two steps back and “defeated” moments. I appreciate that they always result in re-birth, renewed spirit, and a greater appreciation for the many blessings we have.
Welcome back my beautiful friend KWiz!!
Life is a blessing, whichever direction we’re facing. Sometimes we’re aware of it, sometimes not. Even you KWiz, who it seems, as I ‘peek’ at you, works very hard, yet feels it’s not enough, need a break. I think you need not call it a step in any direction, good or bad. For it is what it is. It is you.
Hi Madena,
Again, thank you for the wonderfully encouraging words. And I agree, it does lead to greater appreciation of that with which God has blessed us. I don’t thank Him enough, yet, I am reminded of those blessings, and try to thank Him when those reminders come my way. Thank you, O kindred one!
Hi Camille!
I really receive that. To not call it a step in any direction – what a wonderful way to look at that. To just accept “it” for what it is, and do with it what needs to be done. I like that! Thank you Camille!
Welcome back KWiz.Two steps backward should not dampen our spirits to move forward.The show must go on.A good post.
Hey KWiz.
Took me longer than I’d planned to get to your site, and after reading some of your posts I can see that it’s definitely my loss for not hanging out here more sooner. You’re a pretty deep thinker, KWiz. Scratch that. A very deep thinker.
I really liked what you said about the benefit we can get from the backward steps same as the forward ones. That is so true. Matter of fact, I might argue that it is the backward steps we take that most often gives better direction to our forward movement and progress. Sometimes you have to take a step back to figure out just exactly where in the hell are you going anyway. Forward? Yeah. But forward to where?
Anyway. Don’t want to ramble. Just wanted to say ‘hey’ and to also encourage you to keep up the great posts. Good food to build healthy minds.
One more thing. Thanks so much for your generous comment on The “D” Spot. As a fledgling blogger, that kind of support is very much appreciated. I have subscribed to your blog as well.
Take care, and stay strong.
Surjit, you are right. Taking backward steps shouldn’t dampen our spirits; nevertheless, the reality is that when I’m attempting to reach for a certain thing, and I find myself further than when I started, it sometimes takes a minute to regain my perspective. This is one of those posts, I think, that I was thinking about for a few days that allowed me to regain that perspective. Thanks for visiting me!
Hi Keith,
Thank you for returning. And I appreciate your kind words and encouragement. And yes, sometimes it does take backward “progress” to make sense of where we really are going! Thanks again Keith!
Glad you are back, KWiz, and hopefully refreshed.
Yes, the two steps back can sock me down at times and depress me — but not for long.
I look at them as God’s way of leading me into a new and better way…
Be blessed,
Paula
Hi Paula, it’s good to hear from you…
The key for me in what you said is, “…but not for long.” Thank you!!!