I find myself needing some structure. My intent is to write and post at least twice a month, but October seemed to fly right out of my grasp. I thought of many things, considered writing about some of them, but in the end felt as though I had nothing but Word Salad.
Like a salad encased in Jell-O, a ‘word salad’ doesn’t make a lot of sense. The individual components (vegetables, words, cocktail olives, lime gelatin) might be all right, but they don’t work as a coherent whole. – image and quote courtesy of merriam-webster.com
Any Boston Legal fans out there? I loved that show and Alan Shore is an all time favorite character of mine. In truth, I have a celebrity crush on James Spader. I mean, my dog is named Reddington and everything. If my life was made into a movie I would cast James Spader to play Perfecto. I digress.
I was first introduced to the term Word Salad on an episode of Boston Legal. (Word Salad Days, Season 2 Episode 21) While the formal definition of word salad indicates that it is most often associated with advanced schizophrenia or other significant neurological issues such as Alzheimer’s or brain tumors, Alan Shore experiences Word Salad as a result of anxiety.
Currently, I am going through a year long life-coaching/mentoring process to help identify and move toward my purpose. Part of the process involves identifying roadblocks that keep me from taking intentional steps in the direction I want to go. The process is resulting in some frighteningly honest self examination, and thus, increased anxiety. I am seeking God’s will. I am seeking God’s presence. I am seeking God’s guidance and discernment. And right now I have Word Salad.
rest need listen forgiveness acceptance speak advocate restoration lead
What?
Word Salad. Except it’s not. My God does not speak in word salad. He is intentional and He is leading me so I will follow. This Not Word Salad will be the focus of my next several posts; the structure I need to press on and process these thoughts. When I get through I do hope it is a prettier picture than that jello salad up there, but I’m not holding my breath. Life is messy. Growth is messy. And God is mystery.
Patience & Grace 